There have been some changes to watch in the freshwater policy space, with recent amendments made to the Resource Management Act (RMA) to establish a new 'freshwater planning process'.

The recent RMA amendments also introduced a new requirement for farms to have certified ‘freshwater farm plans’ to manage effects of farming on freshwater. While these requirements are likely to be focused on more nutrient-intensive activities like dairy farming, they will also apply to any ‘horticultural land use.

Ezekiel Hudspith examines the new planning process and the implications that this may have on the wine industry.

Click here to read the full article in the latest issue of NZ Winegrower Magazine.