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NZGAP Environmental Management System (EMS) add-
NZGAP Environmental Management System (EMS) add-on provides a sensible pathway for growers in Gisborne
New Zealand Good Agricultural Practice (NZGAP) is continuing to roll out the Environmental Management System (EMS) as a pathway for growers to navigate through the environmental compliance minefield.
By Damien Farrelly : NZGAP Manager
In late February, Gisborne District Council formally recognised the EMS add-on as an acceptable pathway for growers to meet their Farm Environment Plan (FEP) requirements in the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan (TRMP).
Vegetable and cropping growers (over 1 hectare) in Gisborne are working towards a 1 May 2021 council deadline to develop their FEP. They are also working towards a 1 July 2021 deadline to have a 5-metre cultivation setback in place, or a 1-metre setback with additional appropriate measures (e.g. decanting earth bund).This can also be developed and verified via the EMS as it includes a comprehensive soil management area which helps growers to address issues with soil erosion and sediment control. At the time of writing, over 7,700 hectares of vegetable and cropping growing land in Gisborne has an FEP in place via the EMS.
EMS audits will be undertaken over the winter months to verify that FEPs meet the required standards, thus giving confidence to council and community that growers are good custodians of the land by demonstrating that they have appropriate systems in place, have identified environmental risks, are taking action, have appropriate measures in place and are making progress on key issues. The benefits for growers are numerous, but the most compelling being the integration of FEPs into their existing GAP system, thus reducing future compliance costs and duplication (e.g. audit). NZGAP also acts as a conduit with the council by reporting FEP and audit outcomes, meaning growers can get on with growing. Horticulture New Zealand, Vegetables New Zealand Incorporated and Gisborne Produce Growers Association have been integral in supporting growers to develop FEPs via workshops and one-to-one sessions. They have also acted as a links for growers through to council for collaboration and seeking better outcomes at sector level. A real positive from this process has been the creation of a forum for growers to work together to solve problems while sharing knowledge and insights for mutual benefit.
The Gisborne Produce Growers Association has also established an NZGAP Grower Group to support growers on their FEP journey. The development and implementation of FEPs via the group will be of huge benefit to growers, especially smaller operators who may not have the scale or know-how to comply with council requirements on their own. Gisborne District Council are the second council after Environment Canterbury to formally recognise the EMS add-on in a trend that we hope to continue across New Zealand. NZGAP is now focused on attaining approval of the EMS as a pathway for the recently amended Resource Management Act which will require growers (over 5 hectares) to have a certified and audited FEP. The draft national regulations for Freshwater Farm Plans are expected to be out for public consultation in the coming months, where NZGAP will support Horticulture New Zealand’s submission to attain a pathway for recognition of GAP schemes. NZGAP will also be seeking recognition of the EMS as a pathway for growers in Hawke’s Bay’s Proposed Plan Change 9 for the Tūtaekurī Ahuriri Ngaruroro Karamū (TANK) catchment area, where public hearings are being held in late June.
For more information on the EMS add-on, visit the NZGAP website:
