Social impacts relate to the role and perception of farming in the wider community.
If a farmer is making a profit, but uses methods that are unacceptable to the community, the farm will not be viewed as sustainable and may be unable to continue operation unless methods are changed. There have been legal decisions under the Resource Management Act that have prevented certain farming activities due to the proximity of new rural subdivisions - placing higher importance on adverse effects on community values than continued farming activity. In terms of products, the social acceptability and worth of a product is usually reflected in the price that the consumers are willing to pay for it. With respect to general farming practices, the issue of resource consents should cover the avoidance of nuisances to the public and the environment. If complaints are received by the territorial authority, an abatement notice is served to stop the farmer undertaking the nuisance activity.