Listen: Dr Jacqueline Rowarth on irrigation and Greenpeace

Dr Jacqueline Rowarth. Photo / Supplied

Greenpeace wants to halve dairy and beef consumption by 2050, an idea that is under- researched according to Dr Jacqueline Rowarth.

Dr Rowarth spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay saying that although we need to be mindful of environmental responsibility, Greenpeace's suggestion is a bit far-reaching.

"Greenpeace is saying reducing meat and dairy for a healthier life and planet [is] picking a solution without analysing what the actual alternatives are."

Dr Rowarth also finds the Greenpeace's conclusion ironic,

"[Greenpeace says] We really need to be just using land that isn't suitable for human plant production for animals - and gosh Jamie New Zealand already is."

Another issue that Dr Rowarth disagrees with is the government's announcement that it will no longer fund large-scale irrigation schemes. Dr Rowarth says small-scale irrigation is less efficient and irrigation actually helps the environment.

"The real irony is that Labour's water policy was all about reducing erosion and therefore sediment to our rivers and irrigation does do that."

Listen below: