Friday, 05 April 2024 11:29

DairyNZ relays regulatory concerns to the Beehive

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker. DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker.

DairyNZ board and leadership team were in Wellington late last month to relay what farmers see as priority areas for easing the regulatory burden on dairy farming.

In an email message to levy payers, DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker says the meeting was a good opportunity to follow up on their pre-election advice to policymakers, their briefings to incoming ministers, and to answer any questions they had for the sector.

Parker notes that key announcements in the Government’s action plan released this week follow those discussions.

H says importantly for dairy farmers, these four areas are being considered over the next quarter are:

  • Introduce legislation to amend the RMA to clarify application of the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management (NPS-FM), in relation to individual consents for freshwater.
  • Introduce legislation to suspend the requirement on councils to identify and adopt new significant natural areas.
  • Finalise policy to keep agriculture out of the ETS.
  • Commence an independent review of the methane science and targets for consistency with no additional warming from agricultural methane emissions.

“We continue to advocate for simplified processes for Fresh Water Farm Plans, including recognition of existing industry plans delivered in partnership with dairy Companies to reduce complexity, cost, and duplication.

 “The Government is in the early stages of outlining the scope for how it will address these areas. Our scientists and policy advisors will be actively ensuring the dairy sector’s evidence-based research leads to practical solutions that work on-farm.

 “Other areas we flagged as being critical are being progressed by Government and include a review of rural regulations, and enhanced biosecurity. New technologies and workforce development are also areas we are advocating on behalf of farmers.”

More like this

DairyNZ plantain trials cut nitrate leaching by 26%

DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.

Featured

'One more push' to eliminate FE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.

Winston Peters questions Fonterra divestment plan

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter