Economic assessment of plantain (Plantago lanceolata) uptake in the New Zealand dairy sector

Pasture-based dairy production is associated with nitrogen-leaching losses to water. The New Zealand (NZ) Government has recently focused on regulating these losses through a broad-ranging policy package. Nitrogen (N) limits under this proposed legislation are stringent, dictating that around 40% of dairy farms must reduce their leaching, on average, by 42%. This study employed comprehensive economic models to account for the farm-, sector-, and national-level impacts of different levels of adoption of narrow-leaved plantain (Plantago lanceolata). This alternative forage species holds substantial promise for reducing the risk of N leaching from dairy farms. Model output indicated that total NZ dairy profit was higher each year by 1, 1.6, 2.5, and 4.3% under the policy package if 10, 20, 30, and 45% of pasture intake by dairy cows consisted of plantain, respectively. Further, national economic output increased by $277 m, $396 m, $526 m, and $979 m, under the policy package if 10, 20, 30, and 45% of pasture intake consisted of plantain, respectively. These represent increases in national economic output of 0.08, 0.11, 0.15, and 0.28%. Modelled outcomes emphasise the potential value of plantain, given the scarcity of low-cost mitigation options compatible with NZ dairy systems. Further, they indicate the significant return accruing to investment in further plantain research to aid successful implementation on farm.

Automated summary

The New Zealand Government has focused on regulating nitrogen-leaching losses in pasture-based dairy production. The study suggests that adopting narrow-leaved plantain can reduce nitrogen leaching risk, increase total dairy profit, and boost national economic output.