Proposed amendments to Plan Change One and Plan Change Two give vegetable growers a clearer path forward.

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott says existing growers can continue as a permitted activity until the end of 2032, and fixed nutrient reduction targets in the Horizons region will not turn on.

“It’s been an incredibly anxious time for these growers,” she says.

She welcomes an IRD alert targeting non-compliant contractors as a needed step.

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch/listen or download the CountryWide CONNECT mobile app, available on Apple iOS and Android.