Farmers brace for lake scheme

PROTECTION: Farmers are hopeful farming around Lake Rotorua will remain viable in the future. PHOTO/FILE

Rotorua farmers are optimistic farming will continue to be viable after the Government announced a $48 million plan to reduce nitrogen run-off to help protect Lake Rotorua.

Lake Rotorua Primary Producers Collective chairwoman Wendy Roe said farmers were relieved the Government would fund half of the amount ($24 million) to reduce nitrogen losses from pastoral land around the lake.

The collective represents 35 dairy, beef, sheep and deer farmers working to protect their farm viability while reducing nutrient loss from pastoral land.

The money has been budgeted for 'in-lake' actions meaning no additional cost to taxpayers and ratepayers who will share the cost equally.

The scheme is helping improve water quality in Lake Rotorua by reducing nutrient inputs - nitrogen and phosphorus - from urban, rural and natural sources.

Farmers, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and other stakeholders are currently working to develop draft rural land use rules around nitrogen.

The rules target a nitrogen reduction of 140 tonnes by 2032, plus a 100 tonnes incentive scheme target.

"The lake nitrogen target means nitrogen losses from pastoral land need to be halved, a higher reduction than anywhere else in New Zealand," said Ms Roe. "It is an ambitious target but we're optimistic that we can keep our farms viable and protect the lake."

Many farmers had fenced off streams and planted up stream banks, and were using stand-off pads and sediment detention ponds to reduce nutrient losses, she said.

Low nitrogen fertiliser rates are being trialled locally with help from the Sustainable Farming Fund, regional council, DairyNZ and Ballance Agri-nutrients, she said.

"We need ongoing farmer input to make sure the new nitrogen rules are workable and fair," she said.

A field day for trial results will be held at Parekarangi Trust farm, 560 State Highway 30 on May 6 from 10.45am.

For information contact Wendy Roe (0274) 939 386, Christine Paterson (0274) 545 493, or Sharon Morrell at DairyNZ (0274) 922 907.