A new Animal Welfare Code for dairy cattle has been launched today.

The code which has been developed with the help of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, and the farming industry, sets out a minimum standard of care for dairy cattle, as well as suggestions of best practice.

Agriculture Minister David Carter says issues such as the MacKenzie Basin are not included, as the code has been in the mix for the last three years.

"The concept of very intensive long-term housing of cattle, was not something on the radar. The dairy industry was very critical, so it was appropriate to get this code developed as quickly as possible."

Mr Carter says NAWAC is looking into the issue now and he expects guidelines to be finalised within 24 months.

Federated Farmers says having both aspects, (standard of care, and best practice) in one, could confuse people, and they should have been separate.

Mr Carter says he is not concerned about this as the distinctions between the two are very clear.

"Anything less than the standard set as a minimum, are unacceptable and that's a strong message that is sent by this code to all New Zealanders, but particularly to the farmers in the industry. At the same time, farmers can strive to do substantially better."

Mr Carter says the dairy industry is so vital to New Zealand it was important not to delay the code any longer than necessary.