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National's re-election has been hailed as a boost for irrigation schemes.
Irrigation NZ says John Key's Government will develop the infrastructure New Zealand needs to provide surety of water for agriculture, town drinking water supply, waterways, recreational use and to future proof the country from climate change.
RMA reforms proposed by National will allow irrigation schemes to get up and running without further delay, says Nicky Hyslop, IrrigationNZ acting chair.
These schemes include Ruataniwha in the Hawke's Bay, Hurunui in North Canterbury, Hunter Downs in South Canterbury and the Wairarapa.
"This is not about opening the floodgates to massive dairy conversions," says Hyslop.
"This is about progressing the nation as a whole and carefully balancing environmental imperatives with the needs of a growing population and economy. Sensible, well designed water infrastructure is one of the most viable ways we can add value to our economy. In most parts of the world, irrigation and water storage are recognised as socio-economic development tools."
IrrigationNZ also believes that National's re-election provides an opportunity to review current nutrient management policy, but re-iterates that farmers still need to operate within strict limits.
"As we have said before, the future of irrigation in New Zealand is about using SMART practice," says IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis.
"I would like to make clear that irrigation development does not mean a free for all; farmers will still need to work within Farm Environment Plans and will be under pressure to manage their environmental footprint."
"But at the same time, in terms of nutrient management, we can't expect our farming community to run before they can walk. With this election result, we have an opportunity to revisit existing nutrient policy. There is an urgent need to come up with a nationally consistent and robust approach which would give irrigating-farmers more certainty going forward," says Curtis.
IrrigationNZ also believes that as the New Zealand public increasingly realises the importance of water infrastructure development, that there should be public contribution to the cost, "just like in other developed nations like Tasmania (Australia) and Alberta (Canada)," says Curtis.
Winter grazing is looming again and the Ministry for Primary Industries says it's going to increase proactive farm visits and provide practical advice for farmers in the lead up to the season.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says access to reliable irrigation water is essential for a thriving horticultural sector.
A 100-year-old Canadian irrigation district has taken inspiration from Canterbury irrigation company Central Plains Water's success in converting from an open race irrigation system to a gravity-fed piped system.
Effluent is a valuable source of nutrients.
Precision Slurry says they are effluent application specialists who pride themselves on leading the way in cleaning out any system - fully utilising the nutrients often seen as a problem on farms.
Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.
One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).
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.
