Govt Pauses Freshwater Farm Plans to Make System More Affordable and Practical for Farmers

Last month, the Government signalled its intention to introduce a minor change to the Resource Management Act (RMA) to implement the pause.

The Coalition Government has taken a significant step toward restoring confidence in the rural sector by pausing the rollout of freshwater farm plans to make the system more affordable and practical, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today.

“Freshwater farm plans support farmers and growers in managing freshwater risks and the environmental effects of farming, but the current system has not been cost-effective or fit for purpose,” said Hoggard, highlighting the need for adjustments.

Resource Management Act Amendment

Last month, the Government signalled its intention to introduce a minor change to the Resource Management Act (RMA) to implement the pause. This amendment would temporarily halt the rollout of freshwater farm plans in regions where these regulations have already been introduced, allowing time for necessary revisions to ensure the plans are more workable for those in the agricultural sector.

“We intend to table an amendment to the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill that would bring this pause into effect as soon as the Bill passes, which is expected before the end of the year,” Hoggard stated. This change would provide much-needed relief for farmers facing upcoming deadlines, particularly in regions like Southland and Waikato, where the first freshwater farm plans were set to be due in February 2025.

Reducing the Compliance Burden on Farmers

One key concern for the Government has been the compliance burden faced by farmers in areas where regional farm planning requirements overlap with national regulations. To address this, the Government is working closely with Environment Southland and the Waikato Regional Council to prevent farmers from having to meet duplicate compliance requirements.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay emphasized the Government’s commitment to ensuring that freshwater farm plans are designed to help rather than hinder farmers. “We want these plans to help farmers meet international market demands and recognize the good work they are already doing, not to hold them back,” said McClay.

Supporting Sustainable Farming Practices

The Government’s swift action to improve resource management laws is part of a broader effort to reduce costs for farmers and support the primary sector’s sustainability initiatives. “Removing obstacles is a key focus in our work to support the primary sector,” McClay noted. The changes will help farmers focus on producing safe, high-quality food and fiber demanded by international markets, while also acknowledging their ongoing efforts to manage environmental impacts.

The pause will provide the Government with an opportunity to work with stakeholders and make sure the revised freshwater farm plans are both practical and aligned with the needs of farmers, without compromising the environmental protections they aim to provide.

Looking Ahead

As the Government moves to address these concerns, farmers and growers can expect more certainty and less pressure to meet compliance deadlines. The changes are intended to strike a balance between maintaining New Zealand’s reputation for sustainable farming and reducing the administrative and financial burden on the agricultural sector.

With the Bill expected to pass by the end of the year, the Government aims to continue supporting the rural sector in a way that encourages innovation and sustainable farming practices, while also ensuring the health of the country’s freshwater resources.