Landcorp - Sustainability

Sustainability

Landcorp recognises the fundamental importance of environmental, economic and social sustainability in its use and development of land and other natural resources. Gains in productivity and profitability must be compatible with sustainability over the long term.

Land Development

Landcorp seeks to apply environmental best practices to all development of land under its control. The Company often engages at an early stage with Regional Councils and other relevant bodies (eg Fish & Game) regardless of the need for resource consents. Land development in any location is planned, implemented and monitored in an environmentally responsible manner. For example, streams and wetlands may be fenced out, land retired where it is unsuitable for grazing, and water and soil quality monitored before and after development occurs. Where needed, Landcorp employs environmental engineers to assist with planning and environment protection.

Farm Operations

The FARMPRIDE^TM quality assurance programme places a strong emphasis on environmentally-sound practices in all operations. Farm management is directed at optimising and integrating the natural and agricultural values of particular areas. Landcorp is committed to: minimising the use of chemicals and the creation of waste; and protecting water, soil and atmospheric quality. Operating management systems are designed to meet or exceed legal and ethical requirements.

All farms have a nutrient budget, with nutrient inputs (eg fertiliser) measured against production outputs (eg animals, wool, milk). Landcorp may collaborate with other organisations as, for example, with Environment Waikato in the development of nutrient management systems in the upper Waikato catchment. The Company is also investing in joint R&D with other parties to develop other sustainability measures, for example, soil quality indicators.

Where appropriate, Landcorp will work closely with central and regional government on the Sustainable Water Programme of Action. The Company commits itself to being a leader in freshwater management. It participates in leadership or reference groups that develop tools and processes for supporting the primary sector to operate effectively and efficiently.

Landcorp is focused on on-farm energy savings. All dairy farms have been audited with significant potential for savings identified and a programme of plant upgrading underway to achieve these.

Conservation

Landcorp has a long-standing practice of conserving areas of special environmental significance, predominately native forests and wetlands. There are 371 protected areas held under 170 covenants, covering 4,794 hectares, issued through the QEII National Trust, Department of Conservation or local conservation trusts. In addition to formal covenants, the Company fences off other areas of forest or wetland to protect their significant environmental values.

Feral Animals

All Landcorp farms have a plan for minimising the damage potentially caused by feral animals including deer, ferrets, goats, pigs and possums. The damage can be directly to native flora or through the spreading of Bovine Tuberculosis to livestock. Where practicable, feral animals are eliminated from certain areas so that native flora can be re-established. Feral animals can be significant vectors for Bovine TB, and Landcorp efforts to eliminate and control populations are of benefit to all farmers in the relevant areas.

Climate Change

Landcorp is contributing significantly to the Government-initiated Greenhouse Gas work programme, in part through the Pastoral Sector GHG Group. The Company has a wide range of initiatives in relation to Climate Change, including: