Jay Whitehead is researching how the societal concern in biodiversity issues is changing over time. A better understanding of these trends will help governments and businesses to respond more quickly to society’s needs and formulate future-oriented policy.
Read MoreA recently published white paper proposes a framework to better understand the potential of regenerative farming for New Zealand. What are the key priority research areas and how do we undertake research that encourages system change?
Read MoreInvestment Monitor interviewed Jay Whitehead about the role and importance of agribusiness.
Read MoreClimate change is the biggest environmental challenge of our time. Global warming has already significant ecological impacts with major social and economic consequences. Primary sectors in New Zealand are increasingly looking at how climate change could affects them. The AgriBusiness Group has been helping sectors to understand their climate change impacts through measuring emissions, with the kiwifruit industry being the latest example.
Read MoreWhen it comes to sustainability targets or limits such as nutrients, biodiversity or water, how important is it to farmers that these targets are set fairly? And what exactly means ‘fair’ in this context? Jay Whitehead explored the question of fairness and finds some insightful and far reaching answers.
Read MoreWhat effect does irrigation have on the long-term water holding capacity of your soils? Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research recently led a Sustainable Farming Fund project that studied the relation of irrigation and soil quality. Sarah from AgriBusiness Group was involved in the extension of the project, organising an event for journalists to learn about the recent scientific findings and their significance for farmers.
Read MoreA lack of collaboration and cooperation is standing in the way to a real improvement in sustainability performance. Businesses, cooperations and scientists should stop developing ever more indicators and standards; and instead work together to rise to the challenges of sustainable development.
Read MoreIn New Zealand, there is a focus on freshwater quality due to serious deterioration of waterways. This has led to primary sectors taking significant action to mitigate their impacts as well as government regulation. The AgriBusiness Group has been working closely within the kiwifruit sector for many years on various sustainability projects, including nutrient management. In this article, we look at how New Zealand’s most valuable horticultural sector is responding to the freshwater challenge and what the upcoming proposed government regulations mean for it.
Read MoreMāori are experiencing a significant decline in home ownership. Jay Whitehead used the data from the Christchurch Health and Development Study cohort to determine the variables that influence home ownership.
Read MoreDiversification within farms systems and changing regulatory requirements demand of farmers to prioritise and optimise land-use, in order to maximise farm profits while decreasing the environmental impact. Land-use capability mapping can assist farmers to better understand the range of available land-use options and prioritise development opportunities.
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