Regulations — Blog — The AgriBusiness Group

The freshwater challenge

In New Zealand, there is a focus on freshwater quality due to serious deterioration of waterways. This has led to primary sectors taking significant action to mitigate their impacts as well as government regulation. The AgriBusiness Group has been working closely within the kiwifruit sector for many years on various sustainability projects, including nutrient management. In this article, we look at how New Zealand’s most valuable horticultural sector is responding to the freshwater challenge and what the upcoming proposed government regulations mean for it.

Are farm systems forgotten

The recently proposed Essential Freshwater Package raised the discussion once more how thousands of farmers across the country can adapt their systems to collaboratively achieve a common goal. Our environmental consultant Dave Lucock believes that a focus on collaboration and a farm-systems approach should be the answer. And sometimes, squeezing unique farm systems into set regulatory requirements can do more harm than good.

The Future of NZ Farms

The agricultural industry is rapidly changing. Amelia Wood is reflecting on how farming has evolved over the last few decades and explores what farming might look like in the future. Rural professionals play a key role to show a clear path for farmers to navigate regulatory standards and achieve environmental and economic targets. Understanding the uniqueness of each farming business and its surrounding landscape is the key to future success.

The devil is in the detail

Last month the Government released its draft Essential Freshwater Package, which has a strong sense of urgency to improve water quality this generation. Charlotte Irving is taking a closer look at how the new bottom line for nitrogen levels came about and calls for more scientific research across the country’s local waterways.