About LandWISE

What is LandWISE Incorporated?

LandWISE was formed in 1999 to co-ordinate on-farm research and development, primarily in the vegetable and arable cropping industries. On 28 August 2003, LandWISE became an incorporated society with charitable status. Our prime objective is to provide leadership and support for the development and promotion of sustainable crop production. Membership is open to anyone who shares our objectives.

Who is involved?

LandWISE has a management board primarily made up of farmers with representatives from regional government, science research, marketing and processing companies. We currently have 320 people on our mailing list with about 50% in Hawke's Bay, 20% Gisborne/Wairoa, 20% from the rest of the North Island, and the remaining 10% from the South Island or overseas.

The list includes farmers (58%), farm advisors and company representatives (19%), contractors (8%), researchers (7%), regional councils (5%) and media (3%).

What do we do?

LandWISE co-ordinates projects that address issues identified by members; seeking funding and undertaking or contracting the work as required. We place great importance on extension, organising field walks, bus trips and grower seminars and producing fact sheets and miscellaneous publications. Over the past five years our main activities have been directed to improving irrigation efficiency and enhancing soil quality. Notably we are entering our sixth year of on-farm trials and demonstration fields. We had 150 people attending our two day Autumn Seminar in May 2005.

How is LandWISE funded?

LandWISE is funded by subscriptions and grants. We raise funds from members and from some of our activities, and also seek funding partners who share our objectives.

We have several Gold Sponsors - their contributions are critical to our functioning.

Our project to develop controlled traffic and strip tillage systems is funded by MAF's Sustainable Farming Fund and our Gold Sponsors.

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