Innovation vs Regulation in Modern Farming

In this clip from An EcoFarmer’s Discovery, Ewan recounts his experience being targeted by regulators after introducing new agricultural science that challenged conventional fertiliser models. Despite clear benefits on farms and a legally validated patent, he explains how authorities pursued him not over whether the product worked, but through accusations of “false and misleading representation” a legal technicality that allowed the science itself to be avoided. The conversation explores how expert witnesses, legal process, and regulatory power were used to suppress innovation, even after courts confirmed the originality and validity of the work. Ewan explains why holding a patent establishes new science and why that makes the inventor the expert, before the discussion widens to the culture of fear within farming. Drawing on real-world examples, including MPI and Mycoplasma bovis cases, the episode highlights how intimidation, testing opacity, and compliance pressure discourage farmers from speaking up or defending themselves. Listen in on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7ER6TdixjFndsBLbC8KwPS?si=4117aa11942441a0 Or watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/8YCqRHEmCV4 Our FREE E-Book: https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/ Listen to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=c2fde76b54c44e62