Editorial: Time for a reset
OPINION: The Government's recent announcement that methane targets will be reviewed is bringing relief to farmers.
Bringing farming into a revamped emissions trading scheme (ETS) is now being considered by the interim climate change committee, says Climate Change Minister James Shaw.
“The committee, announced two weeks ago, will consult with the public and sector groups, including agriculture, from about October until the end of this year,” he told Dairy News. “It will then aim to report back about June-July next year.”
Asked if dairy farmers should be concerned about how they will be affected, Shaw said he didn’t want to pre-empt the interim committee’s work.
“It is neither the interim committee’s intention, nor the Government’s,to make dairy farmers worry.
“This is why we want to consult with them and all NZers, and gather as much expert evidence as possible on which to make whatever just transition is required, with the necessary supports to ensure transition is fair and sustainable,” says Shaw.
“I urge farmers and their [lobby groups] to make submissions to the committee, whose six members have respected expertise in relation to agriculture.
“Dr Harry Clark (a member) is a leader in agricultural greenhouse gas research and is the director of the New
Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre.
“And deputy chair Lisa Tumahai... oversees the operation of Ngai Tahu Farming and its work in agribusiness.
“I know lots of farmers are already taking action on environmental issues and the Government wants to work with them to continue that good work and scale it up.”
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
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.