YOUR LEVY AT WORK
FARM PLANS AND MEETING NEW REQUIREMENTS Words by Ailsa Robertson : HortNZ Sustainability and Extension Manager
The final countdown is on for the government’s release of the draft national freshwater farm plan (FW-FP) regulations. A FW-FP is also known as a Farm Environment Plan. In late June, the curtain draws on this anticipated piece of regulation that impacts horticultural land use five hectares and above. This means a farm (as defined) must have a certified FW-FP if five or more hectares is horticultural land use, and the FW-FP applies to the entire farm. The details of what needs to be in a FW-FP, and when and where it needs to be completed, will be covered in the new draft regulations that will be consulted on around mid-2021, subject to Ministers' decisions. These new national FW-FP regulations will give effect to the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020, Part 9A Freshwater Farm Plans.1 As stated in the legislation, “the purpose of this Part [9A] is to better control the adverse effects of farming on freshwater and freshwater ecosystems within specified districts, regions, or parts of New Zealand through the use of certified freshwater farm plans.”
What is HortNZ doing? HortNZ will be leading a submission in response to the new regulations, in consultation with growers and affiliated industry groups. The government’s consultation period will be short, so please watch the HortNZ newsletter for updates. HortNZ is working with Product Groups and District Associations to offer regional Farm Environment Plan (FEP) workshops to step GAP certified growers through the process of developing an audited and certified FEP.
What can growers do? You can develop your own FEP, or you can seek support from your local adviser(s). Local grower collectives like District Associations can build important momentum around Farm Environment Plans, and HortNZ will support grower collectives who wish to develop farm plans and apply for funding to aid grower FEP development and implementation. Contact HortNZ or your Product Group now to learn how you can start your FEP. New Zealand Legislation. Resource Management Amendment Act 2020. Part 9A Freshwater Farm Plans. https://www. legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2020/0030/latest/LMS362301. html?search=sw_096be8ed819b9f2a_part+9a_25_se&p=1&sr=12
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This means a farm (as defined) must have a certified FW-FP if five or more hectares is horticultural land use, and the FW-FP applies to the entire farm HortNZ advocates for the use of industry assurance programmes, like GLOBALG.A.P. and NZGAP, to deliver audited and certified FW-FPs. GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) environmental modules, such as NZGAP’s Environment Management System (EMS) add-on, help growers build comprehensive and robust Farm Environment Plans that identify environmental risks from their growing operations and implement good management practices to appropriately manage those risks over time.
12 NZGROWER : JULY 2021
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