It’s been several weeks since the Government released its two new bills to replace the broken Resource Management Act. Since then, a lot of farmers have been asking the same question: what does Federated Farmers think of what’s been proposed? With more than 700 pages of legislation to wade through – and a Christmas break in the middle – our team has been very busy getting their heads around what’s really in these bills. First, it’s important to state Federated Farmers is completely on board with the aims of the reform. The promise of a stronger focus on property rights, a tighter scope, fewer resource consents, more standardisation and less litigation all sound like the reset farmers have been calling for. But as we’ve worked through the detail, it’s become clear that what officials have delivered does not always match Cabinet’s intent. As currently drafted, the new system may be more permissive where environmental limits are comfortably met, but potentially more restrictive where a catchment is at its limit or in breach. Given councils often set limits that aim to maintain current water quality levels, this could mean most catchments are immediately at or beyond environmental limits from the outset. As the Natural Environment Bill is more restrictive when catchments approach environmental limits, that could actually mean more resource consents for farmers, not fewer. This is on top of requirements for all farmers to also have a Freshwater Farm Plan. Federated Farmers supports the shift to a farm plan approach, but only if this is taking the place of, not in addition to, a resource consent. Last year we welcomed the Government’s commitment to ensure compensation is provided where restrictive overlays – such as Outstanding Natural Landscapes and Significant Natural Areas – are imposed on our farms. But again, the proposed compensation regime is narrower than many expected. It relies on proving a “significant impact on the reasonable use of land”, meaning compensation could be very limited and will be dependent on how future court cases interpret that threshold. Water Conservation Orders remain largely untouched, despite being an outdated planning tool. And much of the most important detail in the Natural Environment Bill – like the meaning of key goals, the scope of regulation, and what regional plans must contain – is deferred to future national direction set by the Minister. That creates a ‘trust us and wait’ model and opens the door to wildly different interpretations by future governments. Most concerning of all are provisions allowing freshwater rights to be auctioned, tendered, or levied – effectively enabling freshwater to be taxed. Federated Farmers is alarmed at clauses in the bill that give future Ministers sweeping powers to tax water to manage demand. That is not something Federated Farmers can or will support. I will be seeking urgent clarification from the Beehive – because any reform that allows water taxes by stealth is completely unacceptable. And rest assured, we’ll be lodging a strong submission on your behalf to point out weaknesses in the two bills.

Today Federated Farmers has launched a petition calling on the Government to urgently step in and end the consenting crisis affecting farmers up and down the country. Our petition asks the Government to allow all existing consents to roll over until the new resource management system is up and running. With thousands of consents due to expire in the coming months, this is an urgent issue that requires immediate intervention – this can’t wait until after Christmas. Farmers need urgent action. If you agree, please sign our petition at consentingcrisis.nz

A major milestone for Seed and Grain Readiness and Response on Friday as we signed the Operational Agreement for readiness. This sets a framework for cost sharing preparedness activities for a list of threats to arable crops. ⁦@FARarable⁩ ⁦⁦@sgnz ⁦@FedFarmers⁩

It’s exciting to have two capable young leaders like Karl Dean (36) and Richard Dawkins (35) stepping up into significant leadership roles. They’re both highly respected and experienced farmers within their regions and have worked their way up from the grassroots.

Well worth a listen to ⁦⁦@MarrHamish⁩ and family ⁦@FedFarmers⁩ ⁦@goaheadfarms⁩ ⁦⁦@FARarable⁩ ⁦@rural_roundup⁩ ⁦@TheCountry⁩ rnz.co.nz/national/programme…

Great night at the NZ Arable awards,congratulations to all the finalists @FedFarmers @joluxx @yolofarmernz @rural_roundup @FARarable @IvanLawrie_FAR

Twins ?

RT @HamishBarwick: The concept of ‘Te Mana o Te Wai’ has been a major concern for many farmers since the previous Labour government introdu…

Harvesting second year wheat variety trials that we have hosted on our farm @FARarable

RT @HamishBarwick: Federated Farmers are calling on the Government to move quickly and give farmers clarity about when changes to agricultu…

Firsts harvest for the 23/24 season, turnip seed

This powerful video of the poem “I’m Fine” by Becky Hemsley highlights the importance of taking time to really check how family, friends & others are doing - to go back after that first “I’m Fine” & check again. The load is lighter if we share. 😊 #kindnessmatters #keeptalking

Great to catch up with ex Federated Farmers representatives at the Beef and Lamb event last night in Wellington @FedFarmers @NZBeefLamb

Great to be hosting a potential new crop option for NZ growers

Hosting a second year wheat trial for ⁦@FARarable⁩

He’s absolutely right. Cows are part of environmental sustainability. Methane from cows is part of the natural carbon cycle that after 12 years breaks down into natural CO2 and water. Grass absorbs the CO2 by photosynthesis and the cycle starts again.

Thanks to our Special Agricultural Trade Envoy Mel Poulton. Outstanding representative for NZ’s food and fibre sector since 2020. Mel’s tenure finishes on 30 June at which point we welcome Hamish Marr into the role. #FitForABetterWorld #Fieldays2023