Current planning holding pig industry back

When the Piggeries Code was introduced in 1992 the standard was clear.

Now the code is not just irrelevant, it is hurting the industry.

Farmers have faced the situation of wanting to put in modern standards on their farm, backed by the latest science.

However they have not been allowed to implement these standards because it contravenes the code, in ways no one could have envisaged 25 years ago.

This is why the Victorian Farmers Federation supports the replacement of the code proposed by the Animal Industries Advisory Committee.

Regulation to protect the environment and amenity should be based on current, credible science that also deals with changing consumer and industry expectations.

The surprise addition in the recent planning reform public consultation documents is the inclusion of an exemption for some pig farms from the planning scheme.

The numbers may look small, but one sow quickly becomes 15 pigs.

More than 60 pigs on five hectares a year is a lot of pigs.

When pig numbers exceed the exempted amount, will those farmers who have previously been told they don’t need a planning permit know to go back and get one?

We have seen councils incorrectly advising outdoor pig farmers they do not require a planning permit.

When the error was discovered those farmers had to apply for planning permits retrospectively, with a number ending in VCAT.

This created stress for farmers who thought they were doing the right thing.

Those retrospective permits are another reason we felt reforms were needed to make the system clearer.

We don’t want to see another planning reform in two or three years once complaints about unpermitted and expanding farms return.

Keep it simple and cover the entire industry.

If everyone needs a permit then the conversation can move to making the process less arduous for all.

That is what will reduce the regulatory burden for all farmers.

Tim Kingma, Victorian Farmers Federation president Pig Group