Do we go down the path of science and use things like genetic modification to produce more from less while improving animal welfare, environmental outcomes and reducing input costs for things like water, fertiliser and chemicals?
Or do we go down the road of organics and low inputs that could also improve animal welfare, environmental outcomes and reduce input costs? That wouldn’t produce more from less but could attract a retail premium.
Now I see the Government’s special trade envoy Mike Petersen has come out saying we need to have a new primary sector story to sell our produce to the world.
Ironically, he represents a government that has been criticised for its lack of action on all the issues involved and on other related things like climate change.
That might be why he also says he doesn’t want a story devised for the sector by the Government.
That might be wise and given the Government’s hands-off approach it’s unlikely to want to do it anway.
The National Party did have a go at gaining some ground in the environmental stakes. It came up with the idea of promoting itself at the Blue green party but seemed to lack much enthusiasm so did little more than dip its toes in water.
Petersen wants Trade and Enterprise, the Primary Industries Ministry and the sector to come together to devise a story.
Given the track record of all these groups failing to agree on most things they might need a prod. Petersen is frustrated he has been banging on about this for years but gained little traction.
That’s where the Government could be involved. Twisting a few arms and nudging people in the right direction without making their decisions for them would maintain its preference for not getting too involved.
First we have to get our story straight.
There are a lot of prominent, bright and experienced people in the primary sector who want us to use science, including GM, to provide for our future.
A major report has just come out saying there is no evidence GM foods are bad for us though various groups are actively trying to discredit it.
On the other hand, we see Zespri can’t keep up with the demand for organic kiwifruit and Fonterra has said it will pay $9.20/kg for organic milksolids next season.
One dairy farmer responded to that news by tweeting that for $9.20 he could get used to milking in sandals.
Organics has an image problem with some people but then so does GM with those who label the results as Frankenfood.
Petersen, though, is a dyed in the wool farmer from a dyed in the wool farming family. He knows the primary sector from the farm, through industry organisations and on to the international markets and world politics.
He is clearly stating we should copy Ireland’s Origin Green strategy.
But whatever we decide, it’s a lot more than just spinning a story.
The country has to live that story, be it at the cutting edge of science or as a role-model organic nation.
If, for instance, we decided on the latter we could stop spending money on genetic modification research and instead director it to organics or vice-versa.
And at the time tourism and agriculture started arguing over the clean water campaign I suggested the two should be working together instead of agin each other because they do sell the same values and attributes to overseas customers.
At the same event where Petersen spoke Lewis Road Creamery found Peter Cullinane said the sector should work collectively and with the tourism industry to promote agricultural products to international visitors.
Also at that event Tatua chief executive Paul McGilvary sounded a warning about the risks of acting collectively because if one company failed the sector failed.
He’s right. There are risks. But acting collectively and having standards would allow collective policing of those standards. If one firm breaks the rules or brings the industry into disrepute it can be outed by the rest and disowned.
However, there are also risks involved in doing nothing. For a start we could all pull in different directions and have ongoing squabbles amongst ourselves.
And while we’re doing that others will no doubt move in and grab the lucrative markets.
