OFA has provided comments to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks as part of the consultation process for exempting low-risk activities from requiring environmental permissions.

OFA supports the intent of the consultation to streamline environmental permissions for low-risk activities and reduce regulatory burden on farmers and rural infrastructure, while emphasizing the need for safeguards to protect landowners and environmental resources. OFA recommends that sewage and stormwater works, including temporary construction-related works, continue to require verification by qualified professionals, and raises significant concern about exempting foundation drainage systems from Permit to Take Water requirements without oversight, citing documented impacts on agricultural wells and water supplies. OFA calls for stronger recourse mechanisms for affected landowners and welcomes the proposed exemption for low-risk root vegetable washing facilities, which is viewed as an appropriate balance between efficiency and environmental protection.