Beef + Lamb New Zealand has cautiously welcomed the changes to Freshwater Farm Plans announced yesterday.
Chair Kate Acland says B+LNZ had been advocating for a system that is practical and workable for farmers and one that takes a risk-based approach to what is required.
“B+LNZ had been pushing for an exemption for low-risk extensive farms as we believe the administrative burden for these properties to complete a Freshwater Farm Plan wasn’t proportionate with the low risk they pose.
“Although we were unsuccessful in achieving the exemption, the framework proposed by Government, especially around certification and auditing expectations, is much better than it was.
“In principle we support farmers having a plan for how they manage their land – including their water, biodiversity and soil health. Land is their most important asset after all, but plans should add value to a farming business – not simply be a compliance tool.
“It’s critical we strike the right balance in the level of regulation around freshwater plans. The amount of detail and regulatory oversight required needs to be relative to the risk an activity poses to freshwater quality.
“Therefore, we welcome the news that certified and audited farm plans will now only apply to farmers undertaking specific high-risk activities such as large amounts of winter grazing or irrigation, or in some cases to replace a consent.
“Certification will also only apply to the activity or part of the farm that triggers the need for certification. This is important change for sheep and beef farmers as often only a small area of the farm would be undertaking the high-risk activities like winter grazing or irrigation.
“Most sheep and beef farmers will still need to have a plan for how they manage risks to freshwater, but it will not automatically need to be certified or audited under the changes announced today – reducing unnecessary and unreasonable compliance costs. These plans should be able to be completed by farmers themselves.”
The Government also confirmed it plans to create a pathway for industry plans to be recognised as equivalent and announced other simplifications.
“While today’s announcement is a positive step forward, we still need to further analyse details which will be clearer once the Government releases its National Direction and National Standards – those are where the rubber hits the road.”
She says B+LNZ is working through how they will support farmers with implementation and will keep them updated.
ENDS
Media contact Will Jeffares: [email protected] | +64 (0) 27 235 9806.