Agriculture
Debunking the myth
Since farming began in New Zealand early last century, farmers have been regarded as the backbone of the country: both politically, economically, morally and artistically. The conversion of all those useless acres of scrub (ie forest and swamp) into “productive land” has been viewed as Gods Holy Work and happened faster here than anywhere else in the world.
Behind the neat facade of electric fences and cattle stops, however, the so-called “caretakers” of the land have been acting like rapists. There has been massive erosion, poisoning, nutrient depletion, extinction of native flora and fauna, introduced pests in plague proportions, and near total deforestation.
We could hardly have made a worse mess if we had tried, and if New Zealand realistically intended to continue exporting surplus primary produce (ie meat, wool, cheese and butter) as a means of generating national income, we would be in very big trouble (1). Luckily for us, the worldwide market for our food and fibre has utterly collapsed, and now the only markets we need to serve are our own.
McGillicuddy Serious is the only party bold enough to state the obvious; It's time for New Zealand to STOP Exporting and Importing altogether. (see ECONOMY).
The McGillicuddy Serious Government will re-establish people-intensive,
permacultural, peasant-style food production (2). With the Great Wind Up
and removal of all wire fencing from the rural landscape, traditional rural
past times will be revived (eg. shepherding, swineherding, hunting, gathering,
drystone walling, preserving, malting, barrel-making and feasting).
Compensation for Farmers
In exchange for their acres and acres of marginally economically viable land, and the cancellation of their crippling mortgages, farmers will no doubt be delighted to receive a few good axes and some sturdy tartan rugs, along with their allotment of confiscated pine logs, and a tiny parcel of clan land (see: MAORITANGA, HOUSING, CLAN PLANNING). They will also be very glad of all the extra help with the farming, as everyone will be involved with the land in some way assisting the survival of the Clan. Everyone grows or gathers food to eat or swap for other food they wish to eat. Natural fibres are likewise exchanged, and processed further by cottage industry, and so on, for all the requirements of life.
A generous supply of food and other agricultural products for all New Zealanders will easily be maintained once exporting has ceased, and we Trade Clan Made. (see: EMPLOYMENT).
(1) If mainstream modern farming practises were to continue unabated, the subsequent erosion and drought would see 72% of NZ either underwater or in desert by the year 2020.
(2) ie. organic, sustainable, subsistence