A British climate risk specialist and former Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons will be key speakers at the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association national conference in Blenheim. Source: The Marlborough Express, Stuff.co.nz
Julian Roberts, executive director of UK company Willis Agribusiness and Weather Risk, will speak about assessing the risks of a changing climate on farming and forestry.
Ms Fitzsimons will outline her vision for the sustainable use of diverse forests and their wood products.
Conference co-chairman Paul Millen said the aim was to cover a lot of ground in farm forestry and landscape issues and they had managed to line up top speakers for the opening and throughout the event.
The theme of the conference is “Diverse Landscapes – Planted by People who Grow Trees and our Economy”.
As much time as possible will be spent on field days and workshops, which include growing eucalypts for dry landscapes; new methods for forestry harvesting on steep slopes; and high country properties that combine forestry, native restoration and tourism.
The conference is open to anyone with an interest in farm forestry and landscape.
Three field days focus on the Marlborough Sounds, including mixed species forestry in the Pelorus Sound and restoring native biodiversity in the Queen Charlotte.
Millen said the Sounds were a unique part of New Zealand and the conference would highlight the need for integrated management of the area to allow sustainable economic land use for forestry, farming, tourism and aquaculture in balance with the environment.
The Farm Forestry Association includes a wide range of people, from lifestyle block owners to those managing large commercial plantations.
They grow a diverse range of trees including pinus radiata, dryland eucalyptus, specialty timber and native restoration areas. The conference also attracts forestry researchers, consultants, contractors and government agencies.
