Thursday, 25 July 2019 14:16

Climate Change Bill must reflect whole Paris Agreement — HortNZ

Written by 
Mike Chapman. Mike Chapman.

Horticulture NZ says that the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill needs to be amended to include all the Paris Agreement, including safeguarding food production.

The government has set a new emissions reduction target for all greenhouse gases, except methane, to net zero by 2050. The target is in line with New Zealand's commitments under the Paris Agreement.

“At the moment, the Bill just focuses on one part of the Agreement, climate change,” said HortNZ Chief Executive, Mike Chapman who appeared before the Climate Change Select Committee this morning.

“The full Agreement makes it quite clear that countries need to find ways to adapt to climate change "in a manner that does not threaten food production".

“As currently drafted, the New Zealand Bill makes no mention of food production. To the horticulture industry, this is a significant oversight given this legislation will be fundamental to New Zealand’s future.

“New Zealand’s primary sector is already one of the most carbon efficient in the world. However, to meet future obligations, we will need to reduce the carbon needed to produce the whole food basket, while not reducing the volume or nutritional value of that food.”

Chapman said as it stands, the Bill is like saying a half built house is completely finished.

“We feel strongly that the Government needs to honour the full Paris Agreement and make amendments to the Bill to ensure that New Zealand has food security.

“By the term food security, we mean that our country is able to grow all the fresh and healthy food that we as New Zealanders need. This will be in a world where it is increasingly difficult to import fresh food, due to all manner of challenges. The impact of climate change, isolationism and trade tariffs will be the key issues.”

More like this

Horticulture hit badly in Nelson/Tasman

HortNZ's CEO, Kate Scott says they are starting to see the substantial cumulative effects on their members of the two disastrous flood events in the Nelson Tasman region.

Featured

Trial shows benefits of spring nitrogen use

A landmark New Zealand trial has confirmed what many farmers have long suspected - that strategic spring nitrogen use not only boosts pasture growth but delivers measurable gains in lamb growth and ewe condition.

Eric Roy: Championing the pork industry

It was recently announced that former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has stepped down of New Zealand Pork after seven years. Leo Argent talks with Eric about his time at the organisation and what the future may hold.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

"Our" business?

OPINION: One particular bone the Hound has been gnawing on for years now is how the chattering classes want it…

Struth blue!

OPINION: Our Aussie mates never miss a chance to put one over us, as seen in a recent op-ed by…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter