Visioning Workshop, 7 April 2005

Thirty-eight people – representatives of government, regulatory, industry and commercial entities operating across New Zealand in the agricultural sector - gathered at the Narrows Landing south of Hamilton on April 7th, 2005. We participated in a collaborative workshop to accelerate our common understanding of integrated farm management and traceability opportunities, with the objective of developing buy-in for a way forward.

This process differs greatly from a typical presentation type forum.  We engaged in exploration, co-design, assessment, discussion and decision-making leading to an intent to act.

The first presentations were about developing common language about the current context for traceability.  We then embarked on four rounds of Trade Shows whereby presenters outlined in further depth, what are considered essential elements of a traceability solution. By sharing this information in an interactive format we began to develop common views of what issues we face across the farming industry, and what might be needed for success.

We then developed and shared models for our overall perspectives of success for traceability. This brought clarity and definition to the ideas and insights expressed earlier in the workshop.

The project team leaders then presented their current views on the shape and timeline for the project. During the presentation, we were able to document our views and issues, and append these notes to the overall project outline.  A frank and open discussion of these issues then followed which provided valuable input for further development of the project.

The last part of the workshop was a candid group conversation.  Facing each other, we surfaced issues and discussed what was needed to enable commitment for the project to successfully proceed.

Resource Materials

Keynote - Traceability and Food Safety Context (Clive Bleaken, Fonterra Co-operative Group) (300kb)

Keynote - Vision for Farm Strategy (Derek Fairweather, Innovation Waikato Limited) (22kb)

Tradeshow - On-Farm Network, Standards and Protocols (Andrew Cooke, Rezare Systems Limited) (470kb)

Tradeshow - Environmental Monitoring, Animal Treatment Traceback (Bridgit Hawkins, Medialab South Pacific) (150kb)

Tradeshow - Traceability and the Animal ID Working Group (Mark Leslie, Fonterra Co-operative Group) (20kb)

Tradeshow - Australian National Livestock Identification System (Rick Beasley, Meat and Livestock Australia) (3Mb)

A printed report from the workshop is also available. Contact Andrew Cooke (andrew.cooke @rezare.co.nz) to obtain a copy.