Farm Environment Plan update

Freshwater Farm Plans, more commonly known as Farm Environment Plans, were passed as law in July, meaning that they are mandatory and enforceable. However, the details are yet to be worked out, and this will be done through the development of regulations.

By Ailsa Robertson : Horticulture New Zealand

Some key details to be developed through the regulations include: which region, district, or part of New Zealand these requirements apply to; timeframes for implementation, certification, and audit; criteria for the appointment of certifiers and auditors; any fees payable; and further Engage with your Product Groups, grower associations,

information and content requirements. In our submission on behalf of growers, Horticulture New Zealand supported the government’s intent to maintain and improve freshwater quality. We also stressed how achieving these outcomes will affect growers and what trade-offs will be required, and that the timeframes set for achieving outcomes must be enough fresh food to feed itself, and that food prices are reasonable, particularly as climate change begins to bite. The focus needs to be on planned progressive improvement so we achieve outcomes that reflect values we have for freshwater and wider social, economic, environmental and cultural values.

The new regulation is expected to be developed over the next six to twelve months. HortNZ will engage with Product Groups, Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) schemes and growers, to provide input into the development of the regulations. The process and timing of industry inputs is not yet known.

What does this mean for growers?

The legislation is clear. All horticultural land uses greater than or equal to 5ha will require a Farm Environment Plan (FEP). A 20ha threshold applies for other sectors or a combination of land uses.

If you grow in a region that has a requirement for a Farm Environment Plan through the regional plan, operative or proposed, these regional requirements still apply. It is unknown if or how the new regulations will impact on existing rules and requirements. If in doubt, start your Farm Environment Plan now. The NZGAP Environmental Management System (EMS) add-on provides a horticulture specific Farm Environment Plan template benchmarked to regional council requirements. The EMS is available as an add-on for all NZGAP, NZGAP-GLOBALG.A.P. Equivalent, and GLOBALG.A.P. certified growers.

What support is available?

realistic. New Zealand needs to ensure that it can grow and HortNZ and ask how you can get support to develop your Farm Environment Plan.

Sign up to an FEP workshop and encourage your neighbours to attend.

Workshops are being planned for 2020–21 across the regions. The workshops will step growers through the process to build a Farm Environment Plan using the NZGAP EMS system, from registration to audit. In the workshops we showcase real life examples of growers who have already developed an audited FEP and adopted good and best management practices. It is also an opportunity to meet consultants and advisors who can help you develop your plan. The first workshops will be held in Auckland and Waikato in August. Details of workshops and locations will be notified through the HortNZ and Product Group newsletters and websites. Future regions include Canterbury, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay. Other regions will be announced in time.

What else is coming?

Climate change emissions are also on the farm planning horizon. By 2025, all farms must have a written plan in place to measure and manage their emissions. For horticulture growers this means reporting your annual nitrogen fertiliser use, and methane emissions if you have animals. Guidance and tools for growers to meet these requirements are still being developed through He Waka Eke Noa, the primary sector commitment on climate action. HortNZ and Product Groups will be involved in shaping this guidance, and we will continue to communicate with growers as guidance becomes live.