Manawatu-Whanganui Regional Council has eased plans to regulate farming in its regional land and water plan.
Its One Plan, covering the management of natural resources over the next 10 years, has generated a great deal of debate and strong opposition from some farmer groups, particularly in the Ruapehu district.
Groups say the plan's conditions for land and water protection will require a consent to farm and could force some out of business.
Following consultation with farmers, planning and regulatory manager, Greg Carlyon says the council has decided to recommend a number of changes to the plan.
He says this will allow the majority of farmers to continue operating as they currently do, with no need to reduce stock numbers, as they already comply.
Mr Carlyon says the council is also recommending that farmers do not need resource consents for minor on-farms works like bridges, culverts and tracks.
