'End red tape'
ACT MP and farmer Mark Cameron is calling on Parliament to thank farmers by reinstating provisions within the Resource Management Act that prevent regional councils from factoring climate change into their planning.
The ACT Party is backing a call from Groundswell NZ for alternatives to an emissions trading scheme, says its primary industries spokesperson Mark Cameron.
“Introducing a new tax on farmers while there are few options for reducing emissions will mean farmers have to cut herd sizes and will force emissions overseas,” Cameron says.
“ACT doesn’t accept that farmers should be forced into an emissions trading scheme while there are no credible emissions measurement or reduction technologies available.”
He says the Government should focus on working with the primary sector on more accurate measurement and management frameworks for methane emissions and ensuring there are no barriers to the uptake of new emissions reduction technologies.
“Forcing farmers into an emissions trading scheme will push up the price of mince, milk and cheese at a time when inflation is going from a canter to a gallop but wages are rising more slowly.”
Cameron claims an emissions trading scheme will increase global emissions because people won’t stop eating and the same food will be produced less efficiently offshore.
“New Zealand has the most efficient farming practices in the world. If we stop producing food here, it will go offshore where the practices aren’t as efficient.
“By taxing farmers without credible alternatives for reducing emissions, the Government will be forcing farmers to reduce herd sizes and productivity.”
“ACT urges the Government to listen to Groundswell and consider the alternatives before introducing more damaging climate policies,” Cameron says.
Whole milk powder prices on Global Dairy Trade (GDT) remains above long run averages and a $10/kgMS milk price for the season remains on the card, says ASB senior economist Chris Tennent-Brown.
North Canterbury dairy farmer and recently elected deputy chair of DairyNZ, Cameron Henderson is not afraid to break the mould when it comes to finding farming systems that work for him.
Former Fonterra director Marise James says the future of the dairy industry depends upon the direction of travel with respect to climate change.
Marise James describes her 38-year career as a rural and farmer advisor as one that has ridden the waves of many changes.
Farmers are calling for Kiwi banks and their overseas parent companies need to follow the lead of America's six biggest banks and urgently withdraw from the Net Zero Banking Alliance.
Dairy farmers are faring well despite data showing above average temperatures for most of the country.
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