The High Court has dismissed primary sector appeals relating to the Manawatu Whanganui Regional Council's One Plan.
Horticulture New Zealand and Federated Farmers were challenging the Environment Court's rejection of their appeals against the plan, which aims to control nutrient run-off from farms and improve the region's waterways.
With the exception of agreeing to a minor change of wording, their appeals on points of law were dismissed by the High Court.
Manawatu Whanganui Regional Council chairman Bruce Gordon says Tuesday's court decision came as no surprise.
He says as the appeal was only on points of law, the council has been carrying on as if the original decision was going to stand.
Mr Gordon says the council has gone out of its way to ensure farmers have time to adapt to the new rules, and most are pretty comfortable with the One Plan.
Fish and Game chief executive Bryce Johnson says the High Court's decision is a comprehensive victory for New Zealand's transition to environmentally sustainable agriculture.
