Freshwater Farm Plans

Freshwater Farm Plans (FW-FP) regulations are under design and FW-FPs are not required at this time. The Government engaged with primary sector representatives, iwi and hapū, regional councils, environmental organisations and other interested groups to develop the new regulations. Consultation closed 7 October.

Visit MPI(external link) for more information including the discussion document.

It is likely that the freshwater farm plans will need to include:

• A farm map identifying features such as waterways, critical source (discharge of contaminant) areas, high erosion-prone areas and other risks to the health of the freshwater ecosystem
• A risk assessment across specific activities including irrigation, application of nutrients and effluent, winter grazing, stock-holding areas, stock exclusion, offal pits, and farm rubbish pits
• cultural effects
• schedule of actions to manage identified features and address identified risks.
• Freshwater farm plans will need to be:
  • approved by a suitably qualified and experienced person
  • audited by independent auditors
  • enforced by regional councils

 

We will update this page as new information comes in.

 

 

Related pages

• Intensive Winter Grazing
• Stock Exclusion Regulations
• Synthetic Nitrogen Fertiliser
• Essential Freshwater Package