Freshwater farm plans
Freshwater farm plans are a practical way for farmers and growers to identify, manage and reduce the impact of farming on the freshwater environment.
The Government is working to improve the freshwater farm plan system and will be exploring ways to make the system more cost-effective and practical for farmers while acknowledging the good work they are already doing.
Some of the improvements have already been made:
- Changes to threshold size
- The Minister for the Environment will be responsible for approving industry organisations to handle FW-FP certification and audits as part of their assurance programmes
- Changes to when a farm needs its plan certified.
Freshwater farm plans are seen as a key tool for managing risks to freshwater. Farmers who have already invested time and effort into developing their farm plans can expect to see that work recognised and built upon under the improved system.
The improvements are being progressed through the Government’s RMA reform process and are expected to be in place later in 2026.
Farmers will need a freshwater farm plan if they have:
- 50 hectares or more in pastoral, arable, or mixed land use
- 50 hectares or more of viticultural or orcharding land use
- 5 hectares or more in commercial vegetable growing or other horticultural use
- A commercial dairy farm.
Farmers and growers will not need to put their freshwater farms plans in place until the changes to the regulations are finalised.
However, freshwater farm plans are still required in Southland. Farmers should contact Environment Southland to understand what they need to do and by when.
For more information on freshwater farm plans contact freshwaterfarmplans@mfe.govt.nz.