Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Freshwater submissions set to close

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Submissions on freshwater farm plans and changes to the stock exclusion low-slope map close on Sunday, so time is running out for farmers wanting to have their say who have not already done so. Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has put its submission on its website and encourages farmers to draw on it for their own submissions if they want.
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Submissions on freshwater farm plans and changes to the stock exclusion low-slope map close on Sunday, so time is running out for farmers wanting to have their say who have not already done so.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has put its submission on its website and encourages farmers to draw on it for their own submissions if they want.

The submission says there is a strong risk that certified freshwater farm plans will be overly prescriptive and limit farmer engagement with freshwater and ecological management.

“We want to ensure the retention of a risk-based approach, and that each farm’s unique circumstances and aspirations are taken into account when looking at how freshwater, or other natural systems or resources, can be managed,” B+LNZ’s submission states.

The submission says the wider set of pressures being faced by farming communities also needs to be considered, including the adoption of certified freshwater farm plans utilising existing infrastructure within assurance programmes to reduce costs and administrative burden, and protect farmers’ privacy.

It says only by considering using a “bottom-up” approach tied to existing programmes and community aspirations will the desired environmental outcomes be achieved.

“Although the proposals do not address the wider implementation framework that these regulations will sit within, it is imperative that farmers own the development and implementation of their own farm plan,” it said. 

“This can be done as part of an industry assurance scheme, catchment collective, or individually.

“Regardless, enough flexibility must be provided to ensure that farmers have a variety of means to choose from to complete their certified freshwater farm plan in a way that aligns with their community and personal aspirations or values.”

The submission says given the relatively high level of content in the discussion document, B+LNZ wants a second consultation on the detailed set of regulations and guidance determining the certified freshwater farm plan process. 

It says this will be especially important if the proposed timeframes for implementation in the first half of 2022 are maintained.

With regard to the stock exclusion proposals, B+LNZ does not agree that the proposed changes to the stock exclusion regulations provides enough flexibility for regional councils to achieve results in diverse farming landscapes.

“We propose an alternative approach, as well as some suggested changes to the Government’s proposed approach if our alternative is not favoured,” it said.

“This could include slight changes to the definition of the ‘low-slope’ map and ‘wide river’ to better accommodate the diversity of landscapes and farming systems in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

DairyNZ is completing a submission on behalf of dairy farmers, in support of achieving fair and achievable rules.

DairyNZ strategy and investment leader Dr David Burger says once final, the submission will be available on its website so farmers can check it out and use it to inform their own submissions.

Burger says DairyNZ supports all farmers having freshwater farm plans, but is calling on the Government to recognise high-quality planning already done by farmers.

He says currently, more than 5250 dairy farms (48%) have farm environment plans (FEPs) and DairyNZ wants to see recognition where that planning is in place.

Burger says DairyNZ broadly supports the proposed freshwater farm plan approach, which includes farm plan certification, audits and quality assurance.

“The focus of freshwater farm plans should be to ensure farms operate using good management practice,” Burger said.

“DairyNZ also wants the plans to fit logically with regional plan regulations, to prevent re-work by farmers and dairy companies.

“MPI and MfE say they expect freshwater farm plans will be increasingly relied on and will reduce the need for consents.

“This makes sense and DairyNZ supports this.”

As well as the freshwater farm plans and changes to the stock exclusion low-slope map consultation that closes on September 26, consultation on proposed changes to intensive winter grazing rules closes on October 7 and consultation on changes to wetland definitions closes on October 27.

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