Sustainable growing starts at the farm, led by the men and women who care about their land, the environment and natural resources

A Farm Environmental Plan (FEP) identifies aspects of the farm and its management that pose risks to the environment and lists what needs to be done to minimise those risks. It will ensure compliance to rules and regulations while ensuring growers maintain productivity and profitability.

FEPs are unique to a property and reflect the local climate, soil, water use and the type of growing operation.

A well written plan that’s being implemented also demonstrates to regulators,  communities and customers that growers are taking their environmental and legal responsibilities seriously.

It is anticipated that FEPs will be a legal requirement for all growers in the future with some regional councils already making them mandatory. Even in areas where they are not yet required, MG Marketing (MG) encourages growers to start developing an FEP.

Helping growers to meet FEP requirements via NZGAP EMS add-on

NZGAP has been working with regional councils and growers to develop an Environment Management System (EMS) add-on with the purpose of supporting growers to meet regulatory expectations for an FEP. This is an extension to the existing, GAP system and is designed to work alongside a growers usual NZGAP audit.

The management practices identified in the EMS have been developed from research and tested within New Zealand growing system.

This NZGAP tool simplifies the process in a clear and logical manner, covering key areas of an FEP such as risk assessment; resource use; agrichemical and fertiliser use; waste management; and biosecurity.

At MG, we understand that developing an FEP may be challenging for some growers. We encourage everyone to start by looking at the NZGAP EMS add-on.