Dairy farming will be included as a controlled activity in Horizons Regional Council’s One Plan, but other types of farming and horticulture have been left out.

Council chief executive Michael McCartney says the impact of dairy effluent run-off on the region’s waterways means the industry must be regulated.

“These are what the processes are all about, participants put their views forward and the science is presented – then the committee is charged with listening to all of those views and coming up with something that seems to fit.

"We’re happy with the process, happy with the outcomes and it sounds as though there has been a level of achievement at least from the farming perspective, that there has been some positive feedback.”

Some farmer groups have opposed the plan, saying the increased costs will impact on production and may force some farmers off their land.

But Federated Farmers Manawatu President Gordon McKellar is happy with the amended plan, despite some farmers having to pay costs to comply with it.

"We haven’t studied it in its finer detail. Most farmers will be complying with this already, but there will always be a few who need some more work to get into line with the accord."

Mr McKellar says most farmers in the region already meet effluent compliance standards.

"The appeal process begins now, but I’ve been impressed with the level of effort from most members in this area.

"It’s certainly a big improvement from how it was ten years ago – big strides have been made.”

The plan is open to appeal for 60 days.