In response, the Crown developed the pastoral lease system as a way to control how high country land was farmed. The system delivered security of tenure and encouraged a long-term approach to land management which balances farm and environmental values. Many high country farmers already have integrated farm management plans in place – a tool regional councils and agricultural industry organisations are encouraging other farmers to develop. Contractually binding farm plans would provide a positive framework for the promotion of biodiversity and landscape values within the farm management system, and be a far better basis for an ongoing relationship between individual leaseholders and Linz, as administrators. Philip Todhunter farms at Lake Heron Station and is chair of the High Country Accord Trust.

Source: Stuff April 28, 2021 16:52 UTC