The ERM is a standalone service, outlining the areas of risk evident from our perspective. You will receive: an aerial GIS farm map, detailing the points and areas that require attention for the future; and a concise, specific list of risks relating to the environment in which the farm operates. The areas of risk that may be included are:

• Risk of impacts relating to natural resource quality and the local receiving environment.

• Local council rule compliance

• Upcoming government directives and possible implications for the farm.

• Environmental compliance with relevant processing companies.

The risks may be specifically relevant to:

• Riparian management

• Winter grazing

• Water use

• Effluent and nutrient management

• Air quality and emissions

• Biodiversity

• Biosecurity

• Waste management

• Soil and erosion

To gather most of the information required, we will access land survey information and schedule two 1-hour interviews with you. For the ERM to be of highest value, we also request any relevant documents you made already have, such as:

• Existing environment maps and plans if available

• Photos of the property, including waterways, crossings, wild areas etc.

• Relevant council documents such as existing consents.

The resulting map and risk assessment will be predominantly concerned with risks to the farm business, from the environment (including social and regulatory environment). This is unique, as most environment plans are primarily measuring the risk of the farm activities to the surrounding environment. These risk assessments draw on sound understanding of ecosystem processes, farm practicalities and environmental legislation to ensure you are well informed.

Risks will be categorised and described in a punchy and straightforward way. At this stage there will be limited suggestions regarding how to address each ‘risk’ - this is the complex enquiry to be explored in the second stage of the planning process (read below).