The Government will be spending millions of dollars to support a new project involving more than a thousand Southland farmers and growers.

Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor today announced that the Thriving Southland Change and Innovation Project is the first region-wide extension programme supported by the $229 million Sustainable Land Use package announced in Budget 2019. 

Mr O’Connor said the project would receive between $6 - $9 million to help Southland farmers and growers make the changes required to lift their environmental sustainability and unlock more value for their hard work.

“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing agriculture and one of the biggest long-term challenges for New Zealand," he said.

“Our farmers and growers are committed to making genuine change. Many are already doing it, but they need practical information about what steps to take, clear direction about what to aim for and support to take action."

Thriving Southland chairman Ewen Mathieson said the project would support vibrant communities by building on the good work of the combined catchment groups. 

“Southland communities have proven to be innovative, and as we begin to understand what our direction needs to be, we will see our farming communities implement change in a positive way,” he said.

Mr O’Connor said the project was expected to cover at least 21 local catchment groups and to span the sheep and beef, deer, arable, horticulture and dairy sectors.

"They’re thinking big and I really commend their attitude and the way they’re embracing change.”

Thriving Southland will take place over five years and will interact with communities ranging from Te Anau and Tuatapere to Gore and Waikawa, incorporating the Waiau, Aparima, Oreti and Mataura Rivers along with many smaller river catchments.