If you haven't already done so, you may
wish to read Part 1 in this series.
Taking action to resolve rural challenges
6. Diversification of the rural economy
New land based industries are needed and more profitable areas than
the
traditional beef and sheep need to be identified.
Other rural activities which provide alternative income include
tourism
with eco, cultural or historical emphasis. Craft activities could
gain
from being linked to the tourism theme.
Gourmet food products are another area of potential. Unique fruit
pâtés
and cheeses have been successfully launched by Rutherford and Meyer, a
business run by two North Canterbury women, now developing export
markets
in the UK.
New initiatives
Business skills need to be honed to add value and develop novel farm
commodities as job growth and the local economy depend on small rural
businesses.
To develop a more proactive local climate for present businesses and
the
creation of new businesses, councils must control compliance
costs, delays and rating costs. Computer training should be available
for
those in rural areas; new entrants in rural business should be
welcomed.
Education, information and market research can identify new niche
markets
and add value to NZ produce. Developments are being seen in the
organic
vegetable market which is now worth $50 million in foreign exchange
earnings. Organic farming also enhances the image of the region,
increasing the potential of the tourist trail.
Knowledge is power to exploit opportunities. Extension and
development
training focusing on agriculture and funded as small business training
should be made available.
A leadership team of people rich in skills is to be established to
work
with rural community leaders.
7. Improving profitability of traditional land use
Farmers' inability to earn a living from conventional farming affects
the
infrastructure and rural services. To arrest the downward slide
communities need to identify market niches based on assets such as
physical
resources, people and climate. Having identified the best activity
the
next step is to think laterally about adding value to the product and
produce consumer-ready products.
Branding of merino wool as a fashion image for garments has seen more
value
returned to the wool grower.
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A Topoclimate data logger in the field
Photo source "Future Growth"
|
Another example is the innovative Crops for Southland venture which
involves researching and supporting the development of new crops that
make
use of an area's competitive advantage.
One such crop is Meadowfoam which produces a high-priced oil used in
the
cosmetics industry. At the same time it provides a good break-crop
for
cereal crops in Southland, reducing the disease build-up.
Sell before you grow.
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Katie Henderson with Meadowfoam in Oregon , USA
Photo source "Future Growth"
|
This is essential just as the growers of Meadowfoam found. Questions
about
market viability have been overcome through the establishment of a
partnership with Meadowfoam growers in Oregon who supply the industry.
Establishing access to the market first avoids the difficulties and
disappointment likely to come from diversifying into new ventures.
Easier access to finance would mean more projects could be
developed.
New initiatives
Canterbury branding of products is to be further developed with
emphasis on
responding to the needs of the customer.
More reliable soil and climate information to improve the quality of
land
management decisions should be available in Canterbury just as has
been
done through the Topoclimate South programme.
Information and learning networks need to be established two-way
between
rural and urban institutions. Keeping informed can assist good
decision
making.
CDC is to act as a coordinator between the regions and the sources of
information support.
8. Healthy, vital, vibrant rural communities
There is a great need to keep rural leaders in the country districts
and
find work for the young people. The population of many small towns is
'hollowed out' and consists largely of commuters and beneficiaries.
Attracting population will lead to revitalisation of these communities
through new skills, intellectual capital, interest and restored rural
facilities.
One new industry which is attracting young mobile people is dairying.
Others will follow given the initiative and drive of the people
attending
the Canterbury Rural Development Summit.
New initiatives
These may be summed up as planning and research, the evaluation and
possibly the rejection of traditional ideas, the encouragement of
innovators, the building of new local teams and the establishment of
programmes of rural pride.
The overall message
Time again came the words teamwork, commitment, communication,
leadership,
planning, sharing ideas and skills, and being innovative.
If I had been asked, after attending the Canterbury Rural Development
Summit, what had most impressed me about the organisers and
participants I
would have answered teamwork, commitment, communication, leadership,
planning, sharing ideas and skills, and being innovative.
Surely this Summit marks a new awareness of challenges leading to a
united
effort to find solutions for the present problems affecting the rural
community.
The last advice to the group was to celebrate their successes.
May they have many causes for celebration!
Please tell us at NZine about those successes and we will see that the
news
is disseminated on the Internet for you.
Keep watching in NZine for articles about some of the rural successes.
