OPINION: Rabobank NZ chief executive Todd Charteris delivered a frank message to the NZ Primary Industries Summit in Wellington last week- this is no time for NZ ag to take the foot off the pedal when it comes to tackling ag emissions.
With the farmer-friendly Coalition Government offering the sector respite from various regulations, including taxing emissions from ruminants, Rabobank is encouraging farmers and the Government to avoid coasting. Instead, Charteris is urging everyone to use the reset of dialogue and timeframes to move the sector forward to protect its preeminent role in global food production.
“Being New Zealand’s only specialist food and agribusiness bank, Rabobank believes that what’s good for the planet is also good for our clients’ businesses,” he told the gathering.
Rabobank suggests New Zealand’s food and agriculture sectors will be well served to read the economic signals and maintain a focus on reducing emissions despite the current respite from local regulations.