Our submission on the Freshwater Farm Plan Regulations

ELI has lodged a submission on the Freshwater farm plan regulations proposals. Our key concern is that the Government’s proposed Freshwater Farm Planning system is putting the cart before the horse, and in doing so risks the integrity of both our immediate and longer term limits set to protect and restore our freshwater.

We do not think the proposal is consistent with the government’s policy intent, or the role of farm plans set out in the legislative amendments to enable farm plans.

The Ministry’s consultation has sent mixed messages to farmers that farm plans will set the end goals and pace of travel for freshwater improvement, which regional plans might require some tweaks.

In reality, it is our existing standards and the rule based limits to come through regional freshwater plans which will drive the expectations for activities and land use covered in farm plans, and farm plans will play a supporting role.

The Freshwater Farm Plan Regulations consultation closes on 7 October.