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Federated Farmers is signalling broad support for the Government’s proposed direction.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
And from submissions received from the main players – DairyNZ, Federated Farmers and Beef + Lamb NZ – the proposals are getting qualified support from farmers.
However, the devil is always in the detail. While proposals like updates to Te Mana o te Wai, simpler wetland rules, a review of nitrogen limits, and more flexible ways to set freshwater objectives could reduce red tape, farmers are hoping that for rules that are practical and workable on farm.
DairyNZ is advocating for change that reflects on-farm realities and builds confidence for the future. DairyNZ has spent the past year preparing to provide a workable replacement to the existing policy. It says its team has developed an alternative freshwater framework to support a constructive, science-led response.
Federated Farmers is signalling broad support for the Government’s proposed direction. It says New Zealand’s freshwater rules have become too complex and are completely unworkable - a nightmare not just for farmers, but also for local councils tasked with the unenviable job of trying to untangle a bureaucratic bird’s nest of rules - and implement them.
“Rules like the fertiliser cap, wetland definitions and the application of Te Mana o te Wai should be on the chopping block for repeal or major amendment.”
Beef + Lamb NZ says a community-driven, targeted, and risk-based approach is crucial to balance the economic viability of farming businesses with environmental sustainability.
It’s critical the Government get these proposals right – farmers desperately need robust, inexpensive and uncomplicated frameworks for freshwater and the wider environment that deliver enduring, but also reasonable and affordable, outcomes.
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
Federated Farmers is renewing its call for Greenpeace to be stripped of its charitable status immediately, following the activist group's latest publicity stunt.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown has waded into the debate around soaring butter prices, pointing out that the demand for dairy overseas dictates the price to farmers and at the supermarket.
Farmers are welcoming new Government proposals to make farm health and safety rules more practical and grounded in real-world farming.
From nitrogen limits to ecosystem restoration –farmers and catchment groups are leading a new wave of environmental care, says DairyNZ.
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
A Taupo company says it's the first to bring CO₂-powered water heating technology to New Zealand dairy sheds, helping farmers cut energy costs by up to 85%.
Waikato is home to a diverse range of lakes, and experts say they urgently need better management and restoration.
Federated Farmers is renewing its call for Greenpeace to be stripped of its charitable status immediately, following the activist group's latest publicity stunt.
Kiwis love their butter, and that's great because New Zealand produces some of the best butter in the world. But when the price of butter goes up, it's tough for some, particularly when many other grocery staples have also gone up and the heat goes on co-operative Fonterra, the country's main butter maker. Here the co-op explains why butter prices are so high right now.
OPINION: Sydney has a $12 million milk disposal problem.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait's recovery seems to have hit another snag.
