1. Stewardship of Natural Resources
England, Wales, Ireland, Australia, America, Canada

2. Natural Resources Land Management, growing and spreading population
soil health
more integration with environment, under utilised land
Water
reduction in availability, (salinity in Aus)
In America tussle between ag & industry
Fossil Fuels
A finite resource
Green House Gases
Intense livestock areas

3. John Ikerd
Promoting sustainable farming, felt industrial ag was not sustainable
“Ag uses 40% of land, 70-75% of water, 25-30% of green house gases”
Increase soil sustainability
Good measures being taken from no till in large parts of Aus and US, south america
Time pressures, increased horse power, damage, more soil erosion
Water Sustainability
Quantity
Renewable energy sources
There can be a balance between highly productive and sustainable industrial ag

4. USA 25x25 Programme 2004 5% energy consumed renewable
Use americas farms to produce 25% of US Energy from renewable sources by 2025
Positive step in terms of wind, solar and hydro created, bringing US into line with other countries with current initiatives
Question viability and sustainability of biofuels

5. A few ‘hows’... Water Soil, continue to measure our soils
Mitigate legislation by education of both urban and rural users for quantity and quality
Allow market forces to provide a truer value for water “a shower tax”
Soil, continue to measure our soils
Reduction in tillage
“the history of every nation is written in the way it cares for its soils” Roosevelt

6. A few ‘hows’... Land Fossil Fuels Improve land use planning
Create a balance between environmental schemes and sustainable farming by voluntary initiatives rather than legislation
Fossil Fuels
Countries fuel secure down to local levels
Low carbon footprint food from local food initiatives
Pay a truer price for fuels = drive efficiency and improved commodity price (as 2008)

7. Positioning Statement
Farmers will continue to lead the way in achieving the optimum balance of productivity and sustainability for the future of the world through technical innovation and continuous adaptation of farming practices
...the right honourable Rowan Paulet