Requirements in agricultural zones are under the spotlight as the government plans to adopt 37 recommendations from the Animal Industries Advisory Committee.

The proposed changes follow a year-long review and would include new land definitions and planning processes, addressing “a broad range of significant issues”. The government said it would produce clearer rules for farmers and give certainty to property owners, councils and the community.

Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said reforms would not increase red tape.

But the Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said farming zones already included regulations to minimise impacts like sound, smell, water and soil quality.

He said the proposed changes would create an “overlay of planning”, increasing red tape.

“If you're farming in a farm zone and complying with current standards you should be allowed to conduct business,” he said. 

“Our concern is (additional standards) will put more of a burden onto building production systems that shouldn't be necessary.”

He said the report’s suggestions could further complicate the system and they therefore required a careful and considered approach.

“We need the government to recognise that farming zones are, by nature, areas used for production purposes,” he said.

“Farmers’ voices need to be heard in this decision as it will significantly affect our ability to farm in the future.” 

One recommendation made by AISC included a permit requirement for all pig, egg and poultry production but Mr Jochinke said it was just another hoop for farmers to jump through.

“We already have clear land-use terms in place for industries – like pigs, eggs, chickens and feedlots,” he said. “And there’s a seasonal effect (different farms) depending on peak times.”

The VFF wants to put its views to the government before changes are made.

“The planning system affects the whole farming sector,” Mr Jochinke said.