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Irrigation conference looks to the future
IrrigationNZ’s 2018 Conference attracted over 400 people and looked at the role of technology, as well as a future strategy for the irrigation sector.
A free expo was held as part of the Alexandra based conference showcasing the latest irrigation technology which was open to the public.
IrrigationNZ Chair Nicky Hyslop opened the Conference by saying that Central Otago truly epitomised the importance of water and irrigation for the benefit of the wider community. Ms Hyslop said that Farm Environment Plans and investment in new farm and irrigation systems were helping reduce environmental impacts.
A debate about the future of irrigation brought a range of views to the table and covered the impact of the government’s recent funding announcements around irrigation projects, environmental impacts, a water tax and Maori rights and interests in water. The Conference Panel agreed that an increased focus on environmental requirements meant that farming and irrigation were becoming more sustainable.
Keynote speakers Dr Stuart Styles spoke on a comparison between New Zealand and California water management and irrigation, Felicity Turner of innovative Australian Agribusiness The Yield spoke about how technology could help meet the world’s requirement to produce 60% more food for its growing population by 2050, and New Zealand animation pioneer Ian Taylor spoke on possibilities to use animation on farms.
Irrigation New Zealand Chief Executive Andrew Curtis outlined a future strategy for the irrigation sector in closing.
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| Irrigation in 2025 | Dr Stuart Styles | Ian Taylor |
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| Otago Story | Felicity Turner | Irrigator Collectives |
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