Baker No-Tillage launched in Europe

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has endorsed New Zealand ‘no-tillage’ technology for reducing the impact of climate change on the production of crops. Now, the crusade to encourage more farmers to adopt no-tillage techniques on their properties has been taken to Europe.

Baker No-Tillage, a New Zealand-based developer and manufacturer of a revolutionary new drill, held an international conference and field days in Germany and France from 18-25 June to educate European farmers about no-tillage methods. Nearly 50 owners of Baker No-Tillage drills from nine different countries, including Australia and New Zealand, attended.

Baker No-Tillage drills penetrate through crop residue or vegetation on top of the ground and sow seed and fertiliser in different bands at the same time. This process causes minimal disturbance to the soil, traps the humidity, preserves the microorganisms and soil life, and prevents carbon in the soil from escaping into the atmosphere. The drills are sold extensively in Australia, Canada and the United States.

No-tillage is said to be the equivalent of keyhole surgery, as opposed to conventional ploughing, which is invasive surgery. The result is increased yields and the near elimination of crop failure and soil erosion to achieve an end result of sustainable food production that can feed millions of families.

A significant guest speaker at the conference was Dr Theodor Friedrich from FAO, who is calling for a fundamental change in farming production to meet the challenges of feeding the world. FAO recognises Baker No-Tillage technology as the best in the world.

The conference ended with a keynote address from founder, scientist and entrepreneur Dr John Baker, who was nominated for the World Food Prize this year and whose nomination carries over to 2013.

The General Manager of Baker No-Tillage, Bill Ritchie, said the conference provided the opportunity for crop owners from around the world to observe and interact with farmers using the same technology in Europe.

“Even though they face vastly different soils and climatic conditions, the same technology applies,” Ritchie said.

“Our technology is going to happen.”

Ritchie said the aim of the conference was to make clients, observers and interested parties better informed about the no-tillage system and create a forum for them to share their experience and knowledge.

“No-tillage is the only way of providing enough food for the planet,” he said.