In response to the growing tension between agriculture and environment, , has designed a new Master programme dedicated to teaching students how to alleviate the strain, achieve better results for both and drive the future of our food production systems.

Senior lecturer within the Department of Environmental Management Dr Shannon Page said there were “huge” challenges in reducing the environment impact of food production.

“Climate change, water use, water quality, use of resources,” Dr Page said.

“The other issue is increasing mouths to feed and changing dietary requirements such as increasing levels of protein and improved nutritional value.”

The result was tension between the demands of agricultural productivity and improving the environment. Many people viewed these as competing outcomes, but the belief that the two could be complementary has resulted in the new Masters of Environment and Agriculture being dedicated to marrying the two issues.

The new degree programme does not just look at how to reduce environmental impact and manage farms better, but also new and innovative ways to achieve those goals.

“Let’s set the bar high. It’s not about fighting regulation or minimising environmental impacts a little bit,” Dr Page said.

“Let’s actually transform the way we do things.”

The programme includes environmental management courses, which deal with policy, debating and applying theory.

Students will engage with the industry, including working with real companies to analyse their environmental impacts and proposing a course of action to address these.

There are also courses on agricultural science, which will have students working in the lab and out in the field learning first hand, making the most of the many experimental farm systems that surround the campus.

Students will also take a new course based on a Te Ao Māori worldview of agrifood production systems within the environment.

“In terms of solving the problems and thinking outside of the box, it’s vital to have those perspectives and ensure that we co-develop solutions with tangata whenua.

“We’re promoting cultural understanding and knowledge sharing, moving beyond traditional disciplinary perspectives.”

The programme would prepare students to meet the growing demand for more environmental protection in the industry, both looking ahead and what was currently in place.

“It’s about having that long-term view about where we want to go, but actually doing something now.

“You have to know what the regulations are right now, what new and innovative systems are available, then make change now. It’s not just looking far into the future.”

A lot of agricultural organisations and companies had a major focus on sustainability and were trying to lead the way, Dr Page said.

“So many farmers are doing amazing things. How do we make that the norm?”

Graduates from the programme will be well prepared to develop and implement new farming systems within the industry and improve sustainability for large agricultural businesses.

Overseas markets wanted to know their food was being produced sustainably, which was becoming more and more important, he said.

“We have to adapt to sustainable food production.”

The programme was a great opportunity for any students interested in diversifying their education.

“Usually in a Bachelors you’re focused in on one specific area. This is a really great way of branching out.

“Maybe you’ve done agriculture and you want to see the wider environment where agriculture sits. Maybe you’ve focused on an aspect of the environment or social sciences; here’s a real way of applying that.”

The first intake for the programme will begin in the first semester of 2025 in February, but is able to be started at the beginning of the second (July) or summer school semesters (November) as well.

Source:  Lincoln University