Freshwater plans coming ready or not

Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor and Environment Minister David Parker say Cabinet has confirmed the freshwater farm plan regulations, which are part of the Government's Essential Freshwater package, to improve freshwater health and management.

O'Connor says freshwater farm plans will be phased in region by region over the coming years to ensure they are practical, starting in parts of the Waikato and Southland on August 1. The rollout period for the remaining regions will be outlined before the end of this year.

O'Connor claims this provides farmers certainty and they will have 18 months to prepare their first plan after the regulations take effect in their region. He says the freshwater farm plans will allow for flexibility and variability within farming systems, rather than a one size fits all approach.

"The Government has listened to and acted on the concerns of the sector around how to make a system workable on the ground and roll it out in a way that gives farmers time to make the necessary preparations."

He says demonstrating our sustainability credentials is critical for future export growth and this is a key part of that story.

Over time farmers and growers will need a freshwater farm plan if they have 20 hectares or more in arable or pastoral or combined use, or five hectares in horticultural use. Parker says industry groups such as Fonterra and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, along with regional councils, have led the way in encouraging the development of freshwater farm plans. He says the freshwater farm plan regulations are another step in the progression towards widespread adoption of these plans that will, over time, lift the quality of our rural waterways.

"The Government is investing $22.5 million from the Essential Freshwater fund to help farmers, growers and advisors develop the plans," he says.