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Vol 19 No 21, June 1, 2020
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Striking a balance Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz
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YNTHETIC nitrogen fertiliser use on pastoral farms will be capped under new rules to improve freshwater quality though a proposed national bottom line for dissolved inorganic nitrogen has been put on the backburner for a year. Environment Minister David Parker, announcing the Government’s Action for Healthy Waterways programme, said there has been a sevenfold increase in the amount of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser used in New Zealand since 1990. To address that the Government is introducing a cap of 190kg N/ ha/year on the pastoral sector with dairy farmers required to report annually to regional councils from mid 2022 on the weight of nitrogen applied. Fertiliser companies will have to report annually on nitrogen fertiliser sales to ensure its overall use does not continue to rise. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said about 80% of dairy farmers won’t be affected by the cap though about 2000, mostly in Canterbury and Southland, might need to reduce their fertiliser use to stay under it. Parker said the delay on a national dissolved inorganic nitrogen level is because scientists in the Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG), set up to advise on the freshwater cleanup, could not reach a consensus
on what the level should be. Last year’s Essential Freshwater proposals, which form the basis of the new programme, recommended the nitrogen limit be reduced from 6.9mg a litre to 1mg but not all the scientists in the group agreed so they have been given another year, which will allow for a thorough review of the environmental and economic implications. About 95% of NZ rivers already achieve the 1% goal. Parker said the delay does not mean the Government will not proceed with a national bottom line, it’s just not going to happen now. If no consensus can be reached there is the potential for a more catchment-by-catchment system, if that is deemed the best approach in the future. Keeping stock out of waterways is another key part of the new programme. Dairy and beef cattle, deer and pigs farmed in areas with a slope of less than 10 degrees will not be allowed in any wetland, lake, river or stream more than one metre wide bank to bank. Stock must be restricted from grazing within 3m from the banks of those waterways though future regional rules may require more. Sheep are not included. The Essential Freshwater proposal was for fences to be 5m from waterways and the new policy means permanent fences already in place will not have to be moved. Compliance will be required from July 1 2023 or July 1 2025, depending on stock type, activities and location.
TOO MUCH: There has been a sevenfold increase in the amount of synthetic nitrogen applied since 1990, Environment Minister David Parker says.
Resource consents will be needed for feedlots and stock holding areas, such as feed and winter pads, which do not meet minimum standards. They include ensuring a feedlot base is appropriately sealed and effluent is managed according to council regulations. Standards will apply only to feedlots or stock-holding areas that house cattle older than four months and weighing more than 120kg.
New consent thresholds for intensive winter grazing will require a consent under circumstances that include where it occurs over 50ha or 10% of a property, whichever is the greater and where it occurs on slopes of 10 degrees or steeper. There are also consenting requirements related to setbacks from waterways and soil pugging, when activities don’t meet
Growing tomorrow’s farmers today
Continued page 3
Clean water and sustainable farming is entwined with the economic success of the sector. It isn’t one or the other. Damien O’Connor Agriculture Minister
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