The government is pausing the rollout of Freshwater Farm Plans until system improvements are finalised.
Minor amendments to the Resource Management Act will be required to enable the pause, which ministers said will allow them to make changes to make implementing the plans more cost effective and fit for purpose.
“We have heard the concerns of the sector and Cabinet has agreed to pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans while potential changes are considered,” Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard said.
“Minor amendments to the [RMA] will enable the pause.
“Once these amendments are made, farmers will not be required to submit a Freshwater Farm Plan for certification while changes to the Freshwater Farm Plan system are underway.
“We want Freshwater Farm Plans to acknowledge the good work many farmers are already doing. The key thing for farmers is to make a start and keep up their efforts – their work will not be wasted,” Hoggard said.
The government will work with the sector, iwi and regional councils to simplify requirements and enable more local catchment-level solutions.
Several regions have already started implementing Freshwater Farm Plans in specific areas, including Waikato, Southland, the West Coast, Otago, and Manawatū-Whanganui.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said the government has moved swiftly to improve resource management laws and reduce costs for farmers.
“In May, we introduced a Bill to amend the RMA to repeal intensive winter grazing regulations and change stock exclusion regulations to remove the contentious low slope map,” McClay said.
“We are focused on getting Wellington out of farming and freeing up farmers to do what they do best – sustainably produce the high-quality and safe food the world needs.”
