The convenor of a permaculture conference says there's increasing interest among farmers in changing their management systems.
Permaculture models itself on natural ecosystems, incorporates aspects of organic food production and has a philosophy of working with rather than against nature.
Bryan Innes says 500 people, including about 100 from Australia, attended the 11th Australasian Permaculture Conference in Turangi.
Mr Innes says that 15 years ago, only about 20 people attended the annual meeting.
