Horizons ‘befriends’ dairy agreement

February 26, 2013

Horizons ‘befriends’ dairy agreement

Horizons Regional Council today agreed to become a ‘friend’ of the new water Accord announced by Dairy NZ this month.

Regional councils across the country were invited to signal their support for the new Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord by becoming what Dairy NZ is calling a ‘friend” of the Accord.

The new Accord replaces the Dairying and Clean Stream Accord which came into effect in May 2003 and had end target dates of 2012. The latest version encompasses nutrient management, water efficiency and provisions for dairy companies and will apply to all dairy farms regardless of who they supply.

Horizons chairman Bruce Gordon said the new Accord is a significant improvement on the previous agreement.

“By including all dairy companies it levels the playing field. It is also broader in its approach and clearer in some of its commitments.”

Mr Gordon did not believe the Accord would detract from the regional council’s own policy provisions.

“Supporting the Accord gives Horizons the opportunity to work collaboratively with the dairy industry and other stakeholders which is entirely consistent with our approach to implementing the provisions of the One Plan.

“There has also been a clear signal from the Land and Water Forum for more collaborative approaches and befriending the Accord demonstrates our willingness to work in this way.”

ENDS

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