Tuesday, 29 October 2019 12:00

Farmers ‘better board the emissions train’

Written by  Peter Burke
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle at last week’s announcement in Wellington. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle at last week’s announcement in Wellington.

The emissions train is leaving the station and farmers need to be aboard, says DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle.

He was responding to last week’s news that the farming sector and the Government have signed a plan to reduce primary sector emissions.

The plan will see the parties together developing practical, cost-effective ways to measure and price emissions at farm level by 2025. 

To advance this the Government has introduced the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Reform) Amendment Bill due for a first reading next month and then referral to a select committee.

The aim is to reduce farm emissions by 2025, but there is a proviso in the Bill which stipulates that if the independent Climate Change Commission doesn’t think sufficient progress is being made at farm level the Government will intervene.

A five year action plan will include providing better tools for  estimating and benchmarking emissions on farms; integrated farm plans that include a climate module; investment in research, development and commercialisation; increased farm advisory capacity; and capability and incentives for early adopters. 

The plan is based on a document He Waka Eke Noa – Our Future in Our Hands developed by the primary sector and it negates a proposal on this subject in July of this year.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the agreement is a world first which moves New Zealand closer to its goal to become the world’s most sustainable food producer. 

“We need a plan that supports our environment but also one that support our primary sector. A plan that is practical, innovative and achievable.”

Ardern says it’s great to see primary sector leaders sharing the same aspirations as the Government.

Mackle says the sector is grateful that the Government has listened to the industry and devised a pragmatic solution. In this win win situation the Government wants to get moving forward at the same time as we want the right approach -- a time to work through the issues, he says.

“There are still a lot of details that we have to work through. This gives us time and I think farmers will appreciate that. It’s also certainty for farmers and it gives time to work through these things carefully. 

“We must be able to measure things at a farm level and put farm plans in place so that farmers have clarity on what they need to do to manage emissions.”

Mackle says they must continue with R&D of mitigation options. 

But he says DairyNZ is not entirely happy with the Government intervention arrangement and doesn’t think it is necessary.

More like this

Marlborough drought declaration welcomed

Marlborough Federated Farmers has got some real concern about the mental wellbeing of farmers and their families in the region because of the drought and there’s a lot of pressure starting to build.

SNAs will go - eventually

Despite some earlier confusion around the exact timing, the new Government is moving to reform the way local bodies implement Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) rules on farmland.

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

Editorial: Passage to India

OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.

National

Govt urged to reduce ETS units

The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as…

Dairy sheep, goat woes mount

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand…

Machinery & Products

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

Can-Am showcases range

Based on industry data collected by the Motor Industry Association, Can-Am is the number one side-by-side manufacturer in New Zealand.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Papal visit

OPINION: European farmers are going to extreme lengths to have their message heard.

Thai egg tarts

OPINION: The hustle and bustle of one of Bangkok's most popular fast food outlets may feel a world away from…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter