Editorial: Time for a reset
OPINION: The Government's recent announcement that methane targets will be reviewed is bringing relief to farmers.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton says there is no single way of dealing with agricultural emissions.
“There are many different approaches that could be taken, and bringing agricultural emissions into the ETS is just one option,” he says.
Upton believes the question should be about how best we can mitigate agricultural emissions.
“There is no easy blueprint to follow for reducing them. No single policy will be sufficient. New Zealand must chart a path forward that makes sense of our national circumstances and international commitments, and that is grounded firmly in science,” he told a conference in Wellington today.
The conference, organised by the NZ Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science, looks at agriculture and Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
Upton told the conference he was working on an in-depth investigation into the treatment of biological sources and sinks across New Zealand’s landscapes, as part of New Zealand’s climate policy.
“As part of that enquiry, I will seek to highlight key issues to consider as an approach is developed.
“It is clear that any debate around alternatives should command a solid scientific basis, and explore the potential consequences of different approaches for a wide range of environmental outcomes and our landscapes. I’m not in a position to share many conclusions at this stage.”
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.