Farm plans important tool in Southland

This week the government announced a pause to the rollout of the national farm plan system. In Southland, implementing farm plans is underway as they form a key part of the Southland Water and Land Plan.

Environment Southland chairman Nicol Horrell said the government has signalled it is making changes that will support the process of getting a farm plan, make it more cost-effective and practical. The government isn’t removing the requirement to have one, just pausing the national rollout while making changes to the legislation.

“Ministers have been clear that farm plans are an important tool, and they need to contribute toward achieving catchment-level solutions to water quality challenges, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to achieve in Southland.”

The pause in the national system may cause some confusion, but farm plans are already a requirement in the Southland Water and Land Plan, and we’re supporting farmers to develop these.

“The Southland requirements allow for a farm-specific approach that meets the needs of the farm and the catchment they’re in. They are not a one-size-fits-all,” Nicol said.

The approach in the Water and Land Plan provides for that. In Southland, actions need to be tailored to a farm’s unique circumstances, and our goals for achieving Southland’s freshwater outcomes.

“While there’s some detail still to be worked through around timing, our message to farmers continues to be to start pulling together the information for your farm plan now.”

“Like the government, we want a farm plan system that is practical, cost-effective and based on specific farm conditions or circumstances that ultimately achieve the environmental improvements we all want.”

For more information go to www.es.govt.nz/southland-farm-plans

ENDS

For more information, contact the communications team on 0800 76 88 45.