Catchment groups make compliance easier

On top of water quality data collection, landowners are also expanding their knowledge of environmental management and where to make strategic investments to have the greatest environmental impact. Supplied.

The Heakeo Hinds Hill Country catchment group have been collecting water quality data, carrying out eDNA (environmental data testing), and planting more natives through the catchment group. On top of this data collection, they are also expanding their knowledge of environmental management and where to make strategic investments to have the greatest environmental impact. In our growing compliance driven world, having this data and knowledge on-hand is reducing costs and saving time for our catchment group members.

Farm environmental plans (FEP) are a requirement in Mid Canterbury for any farming enterprise of a commercial scale. Some entities such as major irrigation schemes administer FEPs, however if you are not part of one of these entities, you bear the cost of collecting and complying with the requirements yourself. By being a member of the catchment group, farmers are able to use the data collected to sit alongside their FEP’s. In addition, they are expanding their knowledge of the environment not only on their farm but also neighboring properties. Catchment members can confidently speak to auditors about what they have done, are doing, and plan to do when it comes to managing their environmental impact.

In a future with Freshwater Farm Plans (FWFP) where compliance shifts to a catchment context, having a connection to what is happening surrounding you will be key for success. FWFP are currently being developed alongside the RMA reform and are expected to be in place soon (Ministry for the Environment, Freshwater Farm Plans).

Data is not only useful for compliance with council and government, but it is also being used by our farmers to unlock premiums in the market. One such program is the New Zealand Farm Assurance Program (NZFAP). Our farmer members are able to unlock a premium with most red meat processors by showing compliance across industry good practice. It is important to see a real financial difference for our farmers in a compliance driven world. Catchment group members are ready to take any opportunity that rewards farmers who understand and can show the steps they are taking to improve their environment.

Mid Canterbury Catchment Collective exists to support the data collection and management for farmers. It provides the tools, such as a nitrogen water tester, stream health assessment tools (SHMAK) as well as training to carry out the assessments. MCCC is also looking into ways that it can support farmers in telling their story. This creates two really positive outcomes; firstly, that farmers are confident their data is protected and accessible in the ways they deem appropriate. Secondly, if they do wish to use the data, that regulators know the data is collected with integrity through standard operating procedures.

If you are interested in how catchment groups could make compliance easier for your farm, please get in contact with Angela Cushnie, Mid Canterbury Catchment Collective coordinator at coordinator@mccatchmentcollective.nz or phone 0276033457.

Megan Fitzgerald is facilitator for Hekeao Hinds Hill Country Catchment Group