D-day looms for grazing consents

D-Day is looming for farmers to have their winter grazing consents in place. However, the

Government has been slow to implement Freshwater Farm

Plans, forcing farmers into an expensive consent process, while councils nationwide are struggling with the consenting burden.

Colin Hurst, Federated Farmers National Board spokesperson, Water and Environment, said this had left farmers at risk of breaking the law as winter crops were planted in late spring.

‘‘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’re at risk of breaking the law,’’ Hurst said.

Federated Farmers, B+LNZ and DairyNZ anticipated this potential outcome and even warned the Government about it.

‘‘The Government hasn’t delivered a farm plan pathway as promised and they can’t even tell us when it will be ready.’’

It’s 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 don’t 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, 2022.

However, with the development of Freshwater Farm Plans being delayed, thousands of farmers must now apply for a resource consent.

Federated Farmers, DairyNZ and B+LNZ wrote to Minister

David Parker in August calling for winter grazing rules to be put on hold until November 2023, as the Government had not yet implemented crucial elements of the new framework, but there had been no response. A second letter was sent to Parker recently, which also included Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Hurst said some councils were advising farmers not to apply for a resource consent, even if the law required it.

‘‘This is placing a lot of risk on farmers. If things go wrong on the farm and council action is taken, a farmer will be in a far worse position than if they had a resource consent.’’

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle said the situation was putting unnecessary pressure and confusion on farmers.

‘‘We need the Government to deliver a Freshwater Farm Plan framework so farmers can use it.

‘‘In the meantime, Government needs to take a practical approach to these regulations and how farmers can proceed for next season.’’

Regional councils have reported that farmers had widely adopted best management practices and were well set up for winter grazing this year.

Colin Hurst, Federated Farmers National Board spokesperson, Water and Environment, said up to 10,000 farmers will need to apply for a resource consent for winter grazing.