Low emission farming systems

This research will focus on the day-to-day processes involved in obtaining a consent for dairy shed effluent disposal to land in the Southland region. Both farmers and a range of other stakeholders will be interviewed. The data obtained will allow us to determine the pathways chosen by farmers when preparing for and proceeding through the consent process. It is our expectation that farmers will choose different pathways, each one influenced by their own past experiences and farm context and also the formal or informal advice/information they seek from ‘others’ including: local farmers, rural professionals and agricultural suppliers.

The aim is to produce practical advice and suggestions for the development of support tools for farmers and other people who are involved in the consent process. In addition, we anticipate identifying critical points in the process that may require more work (e.g. extension, information, research).