ECan have updated their intensive winter grazing consent process.
An intensive winter grazing (IWG) consent application form is now available on Environment Canterbury's Intensive Winter Grazing webpage for those farmers who cannot operate their intensive winter grazing as a Permitted Activity.
ECan recognises the form is long and requires a sizeable amount of information. This is partly because it is designed with the intention that a farmer can apply for consent themselves, so the form includes additional explanations and notes. Once downloaded, farmers can use this form to identify all the information they need to provide to complete the application. This should minimise costs and make the process as efficient as possible. Consent applications should be sent to ecinfo@ecan.govt.nz.
Consent applications need to be lodged with ECan by 1 May 2023. If a consent application is lodged by that date, the farm will be considered compliant with the IWG regulations provided the applicant follows the practices proposed in their application and IWG Management Plan, and ensures environmental risks are appropriately managed.
Where there is an urgent need for an application to be processed, such as a condition for sale of a property, an applicant can state this in their application email or contact ECan directly as needed.
What should farmers do now?
Farmers should continue with their planning and planting for next season while they identify how their IWG activity fits within the regulations. They should also be planning how to become compliant – this could be applying for consent or adjusting their system to meet the Permitted Activity requirements.
All farmers should be identifying environmental risks and relevant mitigations, and ensuring these are documented in an IWG Management Plan. This plan will be a key component of an IWG consent and for future Freshwater Farm Plans (or as part of existing Farm Environment Plans and subsequent audits in Canterbury).
What are ECan doing?
- National guidance documents are being developed that will address more practical aspects and interpretations of the regulations. In addition, they are also working on accompanying guidance to help farmers when preparing their applications. They will let you know when these are available.
- They are currently advertising the requirements through print and digital channels and have plans to hold support drop-in sessions throughout the region in the new year.
- They are also interested in any opportunities to collaborate on or support workshops and events within the farming community. Please let them know if your organisation is interested.
- With any new regulation, ECan’s first priority is education. For the next year, they will be focusing on supporting farmers to understand the new rules and how they can meet them.
For any questions around the IWG regulations and their implementation, please send through to winter.grazing@ecan.govt.nz.