Miraka farmers pave the way for a greener future
North Island dairy processor Miraka achieves a perfect score in the Te Ara Miraka Programme
Central North Island dairy processor Miraka has shown that its focus on sustainable farming practices is delivering returns. Despite experiencing a challenging dry summer period, this year a record number of farms achieved a perfect score in the Te Ara Miraka Programme and were recognised at the iwi-owned organisation’s annual awards ceremony.
"We’ve been running the awards for four years now, and each year we’ve seen significant improvements across our farm community" says Grant Jackson, Miraka’s general manager of milk supply.
"We’re asking farmers to really raise the bar and strive for excellence in a wide range of areas including animal welfare, sustainable land management, and supporting staff. This is about more than just meeting regulations. Our goal is to show what’s possible and to become true leaders in the industry."
Eighteen of the 101 participating farms achieved a score of 90% or more, and five farms, Papatangi, Sandel Ridge, Arataki, Glengour, and Chamberlin Trust achieved a perfect score of 100%.
Wayne Chamberlin of Chamberlin Trust Farm says achieving the top score was a challenge.
"The Te Ara Miraka framework is good as it keeps you on your toes. It incentivises you to keep striving and stay focused right through the season, and new measures are added each year," says Wayne.
Phillip Samuels of Papatangi Farm has been with Miraka since the organisation first began. Papatangi is one of five farms owned by the Te Raparahi Lands Trust, and all five farms achieved an excellence score of 90% or more this season.
"We’re really proud to be suppliers to Miraka. They are proactive to deal with and have a genuinely personal approach," says Phillip.
Japie Nortje of Arataki Farms Ltd has also been with Miraka from the start.
"We’ve been pushing hard to achieve the top mark in the Te Ara Miraka programme. Each year something small would trip us up, so we’re really pleased we made it this year," says Japie.
"Miraka’s goal is to become the most sustainable dairy company in the world" says Richard Wyeth, Miraka’s chief executive officer.
"Achieving this goal starts at the farm, through the hard work and dedication of our farm supply whanau.
By supporting them to apply environmentally sound practices we are helping to create climate-resilient farms that produce some of the highest quality milk in the world" he says.
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