Agricultural identity Peter Proctor passed away at his home in Havelock North on Friday, aged 89.
The internationally known and published icon was a well-known biodynamic agriculture authority and accomplished a lot in his life.
Proctor had a secure job as farm manager at Hohepa Farm, Clive, when he decided to take up an uncertain role as field adviser for the Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association. That was in the mid 1980s, and for many years he was probably the only full time adviser to organic farmers in New Zealand.
Proctor sometimes would say, after visiting a well-established organic or biodynamic farm, that "they know what they are doing, and don't really need me". But when he telephoned to say that he was coming to the district and asked if they wanted a visit from him, the answer was usually "yes".
In those days organic or biodynamic farming was a particularly lonely task and often attracted derogatory comments from neighbours, so taking it up required courage. This was where he excelled – he had a very sunny personality and was a wonderful source of encouragement and enthusiasm especially for those isolated most of the time from others of a like mind.