DairyNZ is calling on political parties to commit to six practical policy priorities it says are needed to unlock growth in New Zealand's largest export sector.

Dairy farming and environmental sustainability are increasingly inseparable. This week, more than 100 farmers, policy makers, politicians and other industry influencers will gather at the annual Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) Forum.

For over a decade, DairyNZ has invested science, policy and farm system expertise into Waikato Plan Change 1 – helping to create practical, fair rules for farmers.

As part of its ongoing advocacy work, DairyNZ engages in cross-party discussions with ministers and MPs, and in policy discussions with key government departments on crucial issues like freshwater, climate and sector stability.

New Zealand’s freshwater management policies have long been focused on nitrogen and other contaminant limits, but with freshwater reform underway, there is an opportunity to shift towards more of a focus on stream health.

DairyNZ works to ensure that policies that impact dairy farming are practical, workable and enduring.