Agriculture Minister David Carter told the Irrigation New Zealand conference it needs to win the public’s trust if future projects are to succeed.

Speaking to delegates in Christchurch on Wednesday, he focused on the growing impact of intensive irrigation on the environment and the subsequent impact on farming’s public image. He says farmers should forget any illusions of unfettered access to water.

Mr. Carter says ongoing problems with dairy effluent and non-compliance rates only made the problem worse.