Federated Farmers is standing by its own Manawatu River accord while it delays ratifying a wider, council-led plan.

Horizons Regional Council released an accord last month aimed at protecting and improving the quality of the Manawatu River.

16 groups, including Fonterra and DB Breweries signed up, but the Feds deferred a decision, saying the accord’s language was based too much in emotion.

Tararua provincial president John Barrow says the Federation’s own ‘Manawatu River People’s Accord’ will complement the Horizons one and should win widespread support.

“We didn’t want a repeat of what happened with Horizon [Regional Council's] One Plan where that kind of emotional nonsense ruled the day a bit.

"It looked as though it was going to take precedence in this accord – we’ve got to keep it balanced and scientifically rigorous as well."

The Feds’ accord has identical goals to the original document, but Mr Barrow says the alternative version is one based solely on facts.

"I think, not only farmers, but any right thinking person will take a look at the two accords and say ‘Well look, one is clearly superior to the other’.

"They might just ask the question – ‘Why wasn’t it done properly in the first place?’, and that’s where Federated Farmers is coming from I think.”