Ballance Farm Environment Awards

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, thanks for the opportunity to be part of this important event.

The sustainability of New Zealand's farming systems is critical to our future; it's crucial for the growth of our economy and therefore crucial for the well being of all New Zealanders.

We've enjoyed good growth in our agricultural exports, largely thanks to increases in production and efficiency on farms, but we've also seen an increase in the overseas value of our farm products.

One of the drivers of this increase is the environmental integrity of our production systems. As time goes on, consumers are expecting and demanding more environmental integrity and social responsibility from farmers, and it's great to see we can deliver.

We all want our land to sustain farming for another 100 years, no one more so than the people who work the land and plan to pass it on to the next generation in better shape than they found it.

Tonight's awards acknowledge farmers who are achieving sustainability through improved environmental and farm management. They're proof that some farmers are making real progress in meeting environmental targets.

Tonight's winners are all leaders in environmental management and farm performance. They've achieved success by researching thoroughly the management practices that best suit their farm, and adapting those practices to suit their property and environment. This takes a lot of information gathering, analysis and trial and error.

The Balance Awards show it's possible to meet the twin goals of environmental sustainability and profitable farming, both of which are at the core of the Government's Sustainable Farming Fund initiative.

The approach of the Awards is to be commended. By highlighting sustainable management and rewarding leadership in sustainable management, you're leading change. Sometimes we're tempted to resort to regulations to do this, but what's achieving change here is good practice, which in my view is far more effective. Farmers learn best from farmers, it's as simple as that. The leadership shown by the winners tonight shows that we can aim much higher if we work with people in a cooperative and educative way.

Congratulations to the Canterbury Management Team for organising the awards. These events take hard work, innovation and persistence. Both the program and tonight's event are a real credit to Max Enerson and his team.

Congratulations also to the sponsors. In choosing to support this event, you've shown vision and commitment to sustainable farming.

Finally I'd like to take the opportunity to congratulate all 29 entrants for putting themselves forward, though I understand some only did so after some not-so-gentle persuasion.

I would encourage other farmers to learn from these farming role models.

It's my pleasure now to announce the Supreme Award from tonight's winners.