No reason to demonise farming
OPINION: New Zealand has said it is going to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by ‘a lot’ and ‘in a short time’. One of those gases is methane. Our biggest producer of methane is livestock farming.
By that date, the partnership aims to see 100% of New Zealand's emissions on the path downwards. But first, emission measurement and pricing methods will have to be developed that are both practical and cost-effective.
In 2022, Cabinet has agreed that the independent Climate Change Commission will check in on the progress made and if commitments aren't being met, the Government can bring the sector into the ETS at processor level before 2025.
The 5-year joint action plan includes:
• Improved tools for estimating and benchmarking emissions on farms
• Integrated farm plans that include a climate module
• Investment in research, development and commercialisation
• Increased farm advisory capacity and capability
• Incentives for early adopters
• Recognition of on-farm mitigation such as small plantings, riparian areas and natural cover
The Government says partnering with Māori will be critical to the success of this joint action plan.
"I'm proud that we have a world-first agreement as part of our plan to tackle the long-term challenge of climate change and we've done that by reaching an historic consensus with our primary sector," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.
"For too long politicians have passed the buck and caused uncertainty for everyone while the need for climate action was clear.
"This plan provides the primary sector with certainty and puts us shoulder-to-shoulder on a path to reduce emissions, with ongoing support to help with the plan such as the $229 million Sustainable Land Use investment.
"This will reduce emissions by giving farmers the autonomy to plan to do so and reward those who do," she said.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says the decision to enact the sector-led plan shows that the Government has listened to farmers.
Major reforms to the ETS have also been announced to make it fit for purpose, with a cap on industrial energy and transport emissions, and forester incentives simplified.
Minister of Agriculture Damien O'Connor says farmers understand the changing climate affects them and many are already making on-farm changes.
"The agreement with sector leaders shows the value of collaboration and provides certainty for farmers, but the hard work begins now to develop the tools and systems to account for on-farm emissions in 2025.
"The Government will back that with investment in research, extension services and advice for farmers," Damien O'Connor said.
