Forestry-farming link closer—report

Press, 23 October 1984, Page 34

Forestry-farming link closer—report

PA Wellington The distinction between forestry and agriculture is likely to become increasingly blurred, according to the annual report of the Director-General of Forests. Closer association of trees and ■ pasture Would also break down the clear distinction, the report said. Research during the last 10 years had provided answers to many of the problems of combining pastoral farming with tree growing, and scientists were convinced that this form of land use could now be more widely applied in practice. Agroforestry research provided an opportunity to diversify farmlands. As

well, more and more grazing had taken place in forests, the report said. Many thousands of hectares were now grazed periodically and initially poor forage. had been improved. With the trend towards wider spacing between forest trees, grazing effectively controlled weeds. , Even casual grazing in forests was 'beneficial in reducing the fire hazard and providing better access, it said. As the previously clear distinctions between forestry and farming were broken down, it was likely that a greater proportion of new forest planting would be made by small growers, the report said. Diversification into trees

would also provide for more economic use of much hill A?, country. The Forest Service spent almost. $5 million on addi- $ tional planting approved by A/ the Cabinet in June last J year. Additional planting of ‘v 6490 ha above the normal ’J programme of 16,000 ha, was intended to create employment that would make a productive return to the economy. AJ The programme was ex- y-f pected to create 425 jobs in X 1983-84, at a cost of $6,417 million. f’J By the end of the financial year 320 people had been employed, 2361 ha of s ’’ land acquired, and 5046 ha y prepared for 1984 planting j ? at a cost of $4,985 million.