A new code of practice for dairy effluent systems is being welcomed by industry insiders.

The new code comes after two years of development by dairy industry reps, the effluent services council and regional authorities.

A farmer planning guide has also been produced by the group, to assist farmers in complying with the new code.

Dairy NZ Effluent Project Manager Dr Theresa Wilson says the new code will go a long way to improving the overall quality of farming methods.

"At the moment a lot of farmers have very good systems designed for them by really good quality companies and are managing really well.

"There is still a level of non compliance that is happening out there and we are trying to provide a set of tools to guard farmers on improving their systems on farms.

"They should be asking for and seeking the really good high quality advice from the effluent installation industry."

 Fonterra’s Sustainable dairying spokesperson Emma Parsons says they’re advising farmers to talk to their equipment suppliers about whether their current system is compliant under the new rules. 

And Agriculture Minister David Carter says he’s pleased the two years of discussions have resulted in a strong system for change.

"It's been a couple of years coming but today's announcement shows how important those environmental issues are to the industry."

"Hopefully soon they will be a thing of the past."

For more information on the code, head to dairynz's website, here.