'We don't want farmers to break the law'

• Published date: 01 October 2022
• Publication title: West Coast Farming Times, The

The Government has been slow to implement freshwater farm plans, they say, forcing farmers into an expensive consent process, while councils nationwide are struggling with the consenting burden

This has left farmers at risk of breaking the law as planting for winter crops needs to take place in late spring, says Federated Farmers National Board spokesman, water and environment, Colin Hurst.

"We've been told by the Ministry for the Environment, Ministry for Primary Industries and various regional councils that 'it's ok' and nothing will happen if farmers get planting, even though they'd be at risk of breaking the law."

Hurst says Federated Farmers, B+LNZ and Dairy NZ anticipated this potential outcome and even warned the Government.

"The Government hasn't delivered a farm plan pathway as promised and they can't even tell us when it will be ready," he says.

"Regional councils are trying, but they are overworked, just like farmers. It's been estimated that up to 10,000 farmers will need to apply for a resource consent without delay, which will waste a lot of time and money.

"Both councils and the Government have recognised that farmers have improved winter grazing practice, but the Government hasn't delivered on its promise to develop a farm plan pathway."

The current rules require farmers who carry out winter grazing - and do not meet a range of permitted activity criteria - to either have a certified Freshwater Farm Plan or to apply for a resource consent from November 1. However, with the development of Freshwater Farm Plans being delayed, thousands of farmers must now apply for a consent.

Federated Farmers, Dairy NZ and...