OpinionOpinion byJacqueline RowarthAdjunct Professor Lincoln University·The Country·2 Jun, 2026 11:14 PM5 mins to readStudies show on-farm diversity boosts food security but raises workloads and costs. Photo / Sarah IveyTHE FACTSThe Survey of Rural Decision-Makers 2025 reports that, on average, there are already three commercial activities on most farms.US research shows diversification can improve soil health, biodiversity and food security.US research also found diversified farming systems can require more labour and, in some cases, use more land to produce the same output as specialised systems.The general theory is that diversification assists resilience.Statements are common.They include the idea that investors should diversify portfolios to reduce the risks of market volatility.New Zealand should also diversify its export destinations to reduce dependence on specific countries.
And farmers should diversify activities to increase
