Reflecting on the journey of environmental farm planning in New Zealand

Environmental farm planning in New Zealand dates to the 1950s when soil conversation plans were first undertaken. Since then the extent and complexity of whole farm sustainability along with regulatory drivers and environmental compliance targets has increased. The public, and consumers, both domestically and internationally, are placing ever increasing demands and expectations on farmers to deliver high-quality produce with strong environmental values. Regulatory reform is challenging, with the details around the implementation process varying and far from clear. National-scale freshwater farm plans will be mandatory and enforceable in New Zealand within a few years. How this will deliver a clearer pathway to integrated resource management and provide the primary sectors with a tool to be world leaders in environmental management will depend upon plans being farmer centric and owned and adding value to their business.

Automated summary

Environmental farm planning in New Zealand has evolved since the 1950s, with increasing demands from public and consumers for high-quality produce with strong environmental values. The implementation of national-scale freshwater farm plans will be mandatory and enforceable within a few years, potentially making New Zealand a world leader in environmental management if plans are farmer-centric and add value to their businesses.