Irrigation NZ
“Promote Excellence in Irrigation” • Advocacy & Leadership• Education & Training• Research & Innovation
MembershipSchemes, User Groups & Individual Irrigators – 60% of NZ’s irrigated area (720,000ha) Technical & Trade – Over 150 service industries (& government)
WHERE WE IRRIGATE
CLIMATE CHANGE & DROUGHT
Drought Change 1980-1999 to2030-2049
“Long, dry spells are forecast to double by 2040 as temperatures continue to rise and New Zealand heads towards a more Mediterranean climate”. NIWA 2013
Existing = 720,000haCanterbury = 65%Otago = 18%Hawke’s BayMarlboroughTasmanWairarapaBay of PlentyNorthlandPukekoheGisborneManawatuEven West Coast!!
Irrigation
30,000
250,000
10,000
50,000
30,000
10,000
10,000
CANTERBURY
Cost challengeCommunity infrastructure = increased cost
Capital costs ($/ha)– Scheme (off farm) $5,000 - $12,000 – On-farm irrigation $4,000 - $10,000– On-farm development ?
Water Charges ($/ha)– Interest & Principal $700 - $1,700– Scheme operating costs $100 - $500– Total $800 - $2,200
Additional gross profit required = $1,000/ha
Making irrigation pay
• Adding water alone not economic
• Need to intensify farming system– Higher stocking rate– Higher crop yields– Store => Finishing
• Irrigation development = rapid change in land ownership and farming systems -– Livestock => intensive cropping– Livestock => dairy farming– Mixed cropping => viticulture or horticulture
Major hurdle - can I intensify?
• NPS Freshwater Management 2011
• Values, objectives and limits for quantity & quality
• Allocation for water & nutrients
• Irrigators need demonstrate operating to a standard – Good Management Practice
• Accountability – Auditable Farm Environment Plans
• Creates additional cost to Business-as-Usual
SMART Irrigation
The system can apply water efficiently
The use of water is justified
Proof of the above is provided
Sustainably Managed, Accountable, Responsible and Trusted
System Can Apply Water Efficiently• Developments and upgrades:
• with INZ Design and Installation Codes and Standards
Consistent
• demonstrate Design Performance Parameters achieved
Commissioned
• annually to ensure it continues to perform efficiently
Tested
Use of Water
• Demonstrate responsible use annually
Justified
• permit conditions and plan rules
Compliance
Provide Proof
The key to SMART Irrigation
Quality record keeping = new norm
Stage
Document
Training & Qualifications
Decision Support
Design CoP & StandardsFertigation Guideline
Water Measurement
Guideline
Installation CoPFertigation Guideline
Water Measurement
Guideline
Commission Guideline
Irrigation Resources
‘Irrigation in a Box’
Performance Assessment
CoP
Design Modules & Certificate
Installation Modules
Commission Module
Operator Modules & Certificate
Assessment Modules & Certificate
Natural Resource
InformationDesign
AccreditationDesign Check
Installation Contract
Quotation Guidelines
CommissionTemplate
O&M TemplateSMART platform = Forecasts, Water
budgets, Moisture sensors, System
constraints
Performance Assessment Guidelines
Web & App Interface
A Co-ordinated ApproachDesign Install Commission Operate Assess