This week we start a new series in which “Farmer Joe” shares what's good as our food and fibre sector moves towards a carbon positive future.

You wouldn’t assume that every car we drive has the same impact on the climate.

So, why assume that every farmer has the same impact, too?

Our politicians have mixed views on how to fix our country’s emissions.

As, too, does each farmer.

So, just like I shouldn’t assume that all townies buy a takeaway flat white every morning.

Let’s not stereotype a whole sector of rural families and hard-working New Zealanders.

But it seems these days our farmers are getting a bad rap, with all farmers thrown under the same boat.

We live in an era of strong opinions that struggle to change, misguided by documentaries and videos that don’t show the full story and lack the understanding of New Zealand farm systems.

We base our thoughts on emotion first and then build some form of logic or biased evidence to suit.

Racking up views online, while the true care and enthusiasm farmers have for positive environmental outcomes goes unseen.

Contrary to some opinions, I believe farmers do care about our environment, our rivers, our changing climate. After all, without a healthy environment you can’t grow healthy, nutrient-dense food, right?

So, here we are.

Let’s have an open korero (chat) about our food and fibre sector. About the passionate New Zealanders who are striving for better every day. To grow better food. To continue to care for our animals and environment. If we work together and continue to strive for better, then our kids will be healthier, our minds clearer and our environment in a better place.

There’s no benefit to Aotearoa if we continue to bring each other down taking shots at each industry we think isn’t living up to the expectations we have for the future of our climate. We are all doing something. And there are so many good things happening.

In this series I want to shed some light on those positive gains at both a local and national level, highlighting the positive efforts and hard work that is ingrained in our food and fibre sector. We’ll dive into the gains that have already been made and the exciting potential unfolding in real time. The things most of us don’t see from the roadside.

And, yes, as I go about reversing a certain stereotype into another stereotype, it’s important to realise that we all have a bit of hypocrisy running through our veins.

There will be much more hypocrisy in this series, I’m sure. But there will also be truth. A snapshot of reality. If anything, at least a glimpse into our enduring rural sector that makes you go “hmh”.

Let’s get positive about the future. About agriculture in our country. We all need to eat. So, let’s grow that food in the smartest, most carbon efficient and environmentally conscious way.

With the environment, our biodiversity and communities at the forefront.

We all need a boost in morale, and we need it now.

* To contact Farmer Joe, email [email protected] and your message will be forwarded.