Southland Farmers Get More Time For Plans

Farm plans have been a cornerstone of Southland’s environmental management, addressing contamination risks associated with farming activities. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard stressed the importance of the extension in easing pressure on farmers.

“Cabinet has agreed to provide more time for farmers and growers to comply with regional rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan, by providing alternate national timelines,” said Mr McClay.

Environment Southland Chairman Nicol Horrell supported the decision, calling it a common-sense solution. “For many years, we’ve worked alongside farmers to provide support because we recognise the value of risk-based farm plans for achieving environmental improvements,” he said.

Southland’s tailored approach ensures farm plans are customised to individual properties and catchments. The Environment Court process strengthened the role of farm plans, which Chairman Horrell said had broad support.

“Given the long history of working with farm plans in Southland, I’m confident farmers here will comfortably move forward with the Southland Farm Plans,” he added.

The Government paused the national freshwater farm plan system in October to ensure it aligns with practical, cost-effective solutions. Updated and simplified national regulations are expected in the first half of next year. Meanwhile, Environment Southland is exploring improvements to its farm plan rules and working with farmers to support implementation.

Over the next two years, Environment Southland will focus on collaborative efforts at both catchment and property levels. Farmers will receive tailored advice, catchment-specific information, and opportunities for action to refine their plans.

“Our message to farmers continues to be – ‘start pulling together the information for your farm plan now.’ We will be there to support you to share the latest information we have,” Chairman Horrell said.

Guidance material for creating farm plans is currently being tested with farmers and will be rolled out in the coming months. For further advice, farmers are encouraged to contact Environment Southland on 0800 76 88 45.