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DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle.
DairyNZ says the sector is committed to playing its part to reduce global methane levels by 30% by 2030.
Global methane does need to reduce and the dairy sector will do its fair share to reduce emissions alongside all sectors, says DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle.
However, he wants farmers to know the pledge doesn't mean dairy farming emissions need to reduce by 30%, and wants the Government to acknowledge this.
"New Zealand dairy is already the world's most emissions-efficient dairy milk producer, and dairy farmers are continuing their work on-farm to reduce emissions," says Mackle.
"Methane is derived from the energy, agriculture and waste sectors, and the pledge focuses on reducing methane from fossil fuels. New Zealand already has a robust 2030 methane target for agriculture in the Zero Carbon Act. The dairy sector and agritech companies have a lot of work underway to achieve it," says Mackle.
Climate Change Minister James Shaw last week announced at the UN climate change conference, COP26, that New Zealand is signing the global pledge led by the European Union and the United States.
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
OPINION: The stats speak for themselves.
Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Farmer-owned fertiliser company, Ballance Agri Nutrients is welcoming National’s plan to negotiate security agreements with key supplier countries to protect New Zealand-bound products from export restrictions and greater supply chain certainty.
Carrfields has announced the appointment of Stu Hall to the newly created role of chief operating officer, Carrfields Ltd, reflecting the continued growth of their agribusinesses and the need to ensure the company has the leadership capacity and support in place as it pursues the emerging opportunities ahead.
New Zealand's role is not to compete with Indian growers, according to NZ Apples and Pears.
The potato industry is celebrating the success of two rising stars - James Blair, the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and runner-up and innovation award winner, Amber Davy.
Twenty-eight emerging leaders from across the horticulture sector spent two days last month learning valuable skills and connecting with industry experts.
There are five entrants in this year’s Young Horticulturist of the Year, competing in a series of technical, practical, business and leadership challenges.
