RMA amendments 'will be a relief to farmers'
The Government’s announcement that a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) could be introduced in Parliament next month will be a relief to farmers, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ).
B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor says the industry good organisation is disappointed with the timing of the release, just one day after a major announcement of the He Waka Eke Noa recommendations.
“Farmers are feeling overwhelmed with the environment-related policy changes that have already come their way, on top of labour shortages, high on-farm inflation and managing Covid-19,” he says.
“Work is still underway on getting the freshwater and climate change policies right, let alone fully implemented, so it’s frustrating the Government is putting out yet more environment legislation.”
He says B+LNZ farmers are passionate about biodiversity and are protecting and restoring the indigenous habitats on their farms, but they also have major concerns with the original Indigenous Biodiversity NPS.
He says these concerns specifically related to the broad definition of Significant Natural Areas (SNAs), which McIvor says would have restricted agricultural activities on a significant proportion of farms.
“We hope the Government has taken these concerns into account and will be studying this closely. While there may be some improvements, B+LNZ has from the outset been calling for significant changes on key provisions. We expect genuine consultation and that we will be able to resolve all the issue our farmers have identified.
“Farmers are playing their part and indeed are leaders in the protection of biodiversity.”
McIvor says sheep and beef farmers are the largest custodians of indigenous biodiversity in New Zealand after conservation estates, with an average of 25% of sheep and beef farms covered in native vegetation.
“These regulations need to be enabling for farmers to carry on that work while not restricting farming.
“These policies have significant impacts on farming business costs and day to day operations, and it’s hard to believe the Government is willing to compromise the viability of a sector that has been a standout during the Covid-19 pandemic and will continue to be critical to our post-Covid economic recovery,” he says.
“We’re not asking for nothing to happen – we just need the Government to slow down. Slow down to get the policies right, without the need for rework, and slow down so farmers can plan ahead and ensure their businesses remain sustainable in every sense of the word.”
