Editorial: Time for a reset
OPINION: The Government's recent announcement that methane targets will be reviewed is bringing relief to farmers.
Fifteen dairy farmers well advanced in mitigating climate change on their farms are being heralded as New Zealand’s ‘climate change ambassadors’.
This DairyNZ move is the industry’s newest tactic for encouraging a culture of climate-conscious agribusiness among farmers and the broader industry, says chief executive Tim Mackle.
“These 15 men and women all represent best environmental farming practice in their farm system. They run their farms profitably and sustainably and are serious about reducing onfarm greenhouse gas emissions.
“Many farmers are already leading with environmental practices, but these 15 people have taken it a step further; they are ahead of the game and will share their knowledge and learning.”
Mackle says NZ has the opportunity to set the global standard in climate-conscious agribusiness.
“Rather than focusing on cow numbers, we want to focus on how we can continue to improve the sustainability of NZ’s agricultural sector.
“The Climate Change Ambassadors are an important part of helping dairy farmers and our farming communities understand how they can make environmental improvements on their farms that increase economic sustainability and help future-proof their farming business.”
Identified via DairyNZ’s Dairy Environment Leaders programme, the Climate Change Ambassadors are already busy improving water quality, reviewing their farm systems to reduce environmental footprint, and working at a grass-roots community level on better outcomes for the environment and farming.
“NZ is already one of the lowest emission producers of dairy in the world. But for NZ to achieve its 2030 target we must look at ways to reduce all gases in all sectors,” says Mackle.
“It’s not just dairy; all sectors need to scrutinise the way they operate. Only together can we help NZ transition to a low carbon economy.”
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.
Graham Brown, the executive chef for Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ), is excited about Korea.
New Zealand-grown citrus fruit is now hitting supermarket shelves and Citrus NZ says it promises to be one of the best quality and tastiest seasons the country had in years.
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