11 December 2014

Fish & Game Welcomes Water Accord’s “Honest” Report of Dairy Industry Progress on Water Quality

For immediate release

Fish & Game has welcomed the first report on the Sustainable Dairying Water Accord, saying it shows the dairy industry recognises that it has to act to protect New Zealand’s water quality.

The Water Accord is a voluntary agreement which now involves all dairy companies. In July 2013, it made commitments to improving water quality and set targets for the dairy sector to meet.

The report on the accord’s first year of operation was released today and shows that while progress is being made in some areas, there are others which need more work, particularly effluent compliance.

Fish & Game Chief Executive Bryce Johnson says the results are a welcome first step but more work needs to be done.

“It is good that the dairy industry recognises water quality is an issue it has to deal with. The report is honest and admits more work needs to be done.”

“It is very pleasing that the industry has gone on record to say it is committed to learning from the results of this first report and to keep improving.”

“The report shows that most farmers are doing a good job but are being let down by a minority who are making little or no effort. The real challenge now is for the industry to sort these members out,” Mr Johnson said.

Fish & Game’s national resource management co-ordinator Neil Deans agreed.

“These laggards at the bottom are defining the public image of the whole industry,” Mr Deans said.

“Good farmers need to be asking themselves if those dragging the chain should even be in the industry. The straight answer is they shouldn’t, and need to be weeded out.”

Bryce Johnson says the industry now needs to build on its first steps toward improving water quality.

“While it is excellent that some farms have made improvements in key environmental areas, it would be great if it was mandatory for all farm practitioners to sign up and be held accountable for their on-farm environmental activities, rather than just having a voluntary accord.”

“It is time for dairy companies to be made formally responsible for the poor performance of their suppliers,” he said.

Mr Johnson says this would take New Zealand a step closer to the cleaner, swimmable and fishable rivers which Fish & Game, other environment groups and the public are seeking.

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