Tuesday, 17 September 2024 14:25

Clarity needed

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: This month, the government announced a pause to the rollout of the national farm plan system.

However, Environment Southland’s message to farmers is: start pulling together the information for farm plans now.

So, what should farmers do? Stop work on their respective farm plans or carry on as urged by ES?

This confusion isn’t helping the farming sector. The Government must move quickly with changes to the Resource Management Act that will put a stop to councils like ES working on freshwater farm plans, already a requirement in the Southland Water and Land Plan.

Everyone agrees that we need a farm plan system that is practical and cost-effective and based on specific farm conditions. So, why the confusion?

More like this

Government Mulling Plan Change 1 Intervention

The Government is looking at intervening on behalf of Waikato farmers who face new regulations around agricultural land use while Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms are underway.

Environment Southland Urges Vigilance After New Old Man's Beard Infestation Found Near Dipton

Environment Southland is calling on residents to be vigilant and check their properties after a new Old Man's Beard site was discovered near Dipton.

Waihi Dairy Farmer Fined $39,000 for Dairy Effluent Breaches

A Waihi dairy farmer, Keith Torrens, has been convicted and fined $39,000 for the unlawful discharge of dairy effluent following a prosecution taken by Waikato Regional Council.

Editorial: A Sensible Decision

OPINION: For thousands of Southland farmers, this week would have tipped them into the non-compliant category when it comes to following regional freshwater plan rules. But the Government has stepped in to give them the clarity they deserve.

Southland Farmers Given 18-Month Freshwater Farm Plan Reprieve

Southland farmers staring down a May deadline to submit freshwater farm plans under current regional plan rules have been given an 18-month reprieve by the Government.

Featured

Indian PM Set To Make A Fleeting Visit

With the New Zealand/India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) dominating political debate here, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting New Zealand next week.

Southland Farmers Named 2026 Sustainable Farming Ambassadors

Michelle and Tony Roberts didn't inherit the farming business they have today. They’ve built it from the ground up.

How Pungent Pukeko Turned a Passion Project into an Award-Winning Gin Brand

“We’re not normal.” That’s how Jack Walters, executive director of Pungent Pukeko, describes his gin brand, which has just won gold at the World Gin Awards.

Dr Tim Harwood Honoured with 2026 New Zealand Food Safety Award

Dr Tim Harwood, a seafood food safety research leader, has been awarded the 2026 Significant Contribution Award at the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology (NZIFST) Food Industry Awards.

Waikato Waters Begins Operations Across Waikato Region

Today marks the first day of operations for Waikato Waters, a new council-controlled organisation established by six district councils to deliver water and wastewater services for their communities.

MPI Opens $3m Greenhouse Gas Research Funding Round

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has announced has opened applications for the 2026/27 funding round of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Research (GHGIR) fund.