We are thrilled to be bringing you the first Innovation Series event in 2023 in partnership with Selwyn District Council.
Regardless of the types of practices run on a farm – whether it is conventional, regenerative, organic, or has social aspect to it – There is diverse spectrum of ambitions, dreams and aspirations. One thing they all share in common is the desire to create value and be a successful company. But is profit the (only) value a company should be targeting? Or could one’s company support a more diversified value proposition?
Some companies strive to uphold the ideals of people, planet and prosperity. It’s a model of business management that places value on social and environmental responsibility as well as the company’s bottom line. The three Ps—or the triple bottom line—might seem relatively new. In fact, it has been implemented by responsible entrepreneurs and executives since the mid-1990s – so what’s bringing the P’s to the forefront on farms? How easy is it to balance the three with the changing legislation and other environmental factors we see becoming more of a focus for consumers?
Does the want to pursue sustainability differ depending on the farm focus and practices?
Join the discussion to hear from 3 food producers that have already diversified value creation away from profit only and remain feasible and viable.
Timings:
9.00am : Welcome & introduction from B.linc & Selwyn District Council
9.10am : Keynote address 1
9.30am : Keynote address 2 - Mike Porter, South Canterbury Farm
9.50am : Keynote address 3 - Darren Gamble, Mt White Station
10.10am : Panel discussion/Interactive Q&A session with audience
10.30am : Event finishes
Our speakers
Darren Gamble, Tourism Manager, Mt White Station
Set in the wilds of the Southern Alps/Kā Titiriri o te Moana, Mt White Station is a 40,000-hectare working farm set amidst rugged peaks, remote valleys and beautiful, braided rivers. For more than a century this place has been loved by the people who live and work here.
“Those who work the land understand it the most. They hear the rumbles of mother nature when she’s in a bad mood, feel the warmth of her embrace and bathe in the subtle symphony of nature’s song.
Our people are immersed in this environment and motivated, not by popular demand or consumer trends, but a genuine desire to tread lightly and give back whenever possible.
In a country blessed with many and varied landscapes, the High Country is particularly wild and gives us challenges from tough winters to scorching summers, alpine terrain to wide open rivers. Maintaining this land is a mission without end.
A mission we embrace.”
Mike Porter, South Canterbury Farmer
With many New Zealand farmers facing financial and environmental challenges, a growing number are showing an interest in regenerative agriculture. Mike Porter is using regen practices on his farm.
Jared Clarke, Canterbury Dairy Farmer
My wife and I farm at Valetta near Mayfield in Mid-Canterbury. We met at Lincoln University where we both completed B.Ag.Sci (hons). Our farm is called Mount Rivers and we are in our 1st season of ownership after 13 years managing and sharemilking. We enjoy farming to a high standard looking after our people, cows and land.
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