The policy was included in the federation’s Farmers’ Manifesto that advocated a “sensible, practical and affordable” approach to tackling issues of relevance to rural areas.
On water quality, the federation’s outgoing president Dr William Rolleston said that approach would allow sustainable economic growth alongside environmental goals.
"We support a framework for catchment partnerships that co-ordinates community, council and scientific efforts.
“This could involve a range of taxpayer and region-wide rates based funding to assist in the most cost-effective way, to manage our regional waterways,” he said.
"This way we can target those hotspots that need immediate attention through applying science-based data, investing resources and funds more wisely to understand and ultimately alleviate the worst affected areas."
Rolleston also called on all New Zealanders to do their share.
"Farmers are on a journey to improve our waterways and we call on all New Zealanders to not only back our campaign but to join us in doing our share.
"As every catchment is unique in regard to its current state and how it should be managed in the future, catchment communities should have more say in how their waterways are managed.”
The manifesto was a challenge to all political parties ahead of September’s general election and also called for a greater focus and investment on biosecurity and reform of the Resource Management Act.
“A review of the current principles relating to property rights, rural production and how it impacts on the economic returns at the farmgate should be factored into future reviews so that farmers and rural economies aren’t overlooked or disadvantaged," Rolleston said.
Other elements on the wish list were the continued efforts to free up trade, investing in science that delivered economically and environmentally, a pragmatic approach to climate change and addressing skill shortages on farms.
It also advocated for improved educational opportunities for remote rural communities including an increase in boarding bursaries, better telecommunications connectivity in rural areas, fairer investment in tourism infrastructure, better rural policing and stronger deterrents for livestock theft.
