Dairying and Clean Streams Accord
The Accord aims to promote sustainable dairy farming in New Zealand. It focuses on reducing the impacts of dairying on the quality of New Zealand streams, rivers, lakes, ground water and wetlands.
The Accord is an agreement between Fonterra Cooperative Group, Regional Councils, Unitary Authorities, the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to work together to achieve clean, healthy water in dairying areas. The goal is to have water that is suitable (where appropriate) for fish, stock water and swimming (in areas defined by Regional Councils).
The six priorities for actions and national targets outlined in the Accord are:
- Fonterra and Regional Councils to develop Regional Action Plans for the main dairying regions to implement this Accord by June 2004.
- Dairy cattle excluded from 50% of streams, rivers and lakes by 2007, 90% by 2012.
- 50% of regular crossing points to have bridges or culverts by 2007, 90% by 2012.
- 100% of farm dairy effluent discharges to comply with resource consents and Regional Plans immediately.
- 50% of regionally significant wetlands to be fenced by 2005, 90% by 2007.
- 100% of dairy farms to have in place systems to manage nutrient inputs and outputs by 2007.
The Northland Regional Council Action Plan adapts the national targets to Northland conditions.
Regional Action Plan
The Accord sets minimum national targets but allows for regional flexibility to eventually meet those targets.
The Regional Action Plan for Northland is intended to be adaptable for local conditions, practical, cost effective (whilst recognising the practical and financial constraints of implementing timeframes) and make a real difference.
It is a result of the Northland Regional Council, Fonterra and Northland farmers working together to tailor a Plan to the Northland situation.