Tuesday, 20 June 2023 07:55

Farmers back Nats' emissions plan

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
National Party leader Christopher Luxon. National Party leader Christopher Luxon.

National's plan to delay agriculture's inclusion in an emissions trading scheme has been applauded by farmers.

DairyNZ says it's a step in the right direction while Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says the policy is closely aligned with its position.

Federated Farmers gave the plan 'five stars'. However, forest owners aren't happy with its proposed forest planting restrictions.

National says it plans to give farmers the tools they need to reduce emissions - such as gene edited crops, feed and livestock - by lifting the effective ban on gene editing and genetic modification technologies. It wants a fair and sustainable pricing system for on-farm agricultural emissions by 2030 that reduces emissions without sending production overseas. An independent board will be established to implement the pricing system.

National leader Christopher Luxon told Rural News that what his party has put forward is "practical and common sense". He says initially National supported He Waka Eke Noa but claims the government "blew it up and killed it".

Luxon says National has talked to the farming sector and asked them what a practical and pragmatic way was. He says NZ farmers are among the most efficient farmers in the world and are the backbone of our economy.

"So, the question of killing off our herds and moving that production that feed 40 million people overseas to less emission efficient farmers doesn't make sense," Luxon adds. "It doesn't solve global greenhouse gas emissions, but it destroys the livelihood of our farmers and our economy."

"We're really pleased to see the National Party are making commitments to put in place solutions that will work for farmers," Federated Farmers acting president Wayne Langford says. "It shows that they've been listening to farmers' concerns."

B+LNZ chair Kate Acland says it has also been advocating for the focus to be on establishing a robust and credible measurement and reporting system for agricultural emissions that works for farmers.

"So, we are pleased the National Party has listened to our perspective and insights on how farmers can best play their role in addressing climate change.

"Farmers have sent us a clear message that they are unhappy with the pricing proposal that the He Waka Eke Noa Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership put to Government last year."

DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel says putting farming into the Emissions Trading Scheme will deliver poor outcomes for farmers.

"Both technology and targets are an important part of getting a system right and ensuring agriculture plays its part. Pricing was looked at to facilitate the necessary behaviour change. Pricing will only achieve outcomes if cost-effective tools and technology are available."

More like this

Fieldays calls for strategic investment in its future

A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.

McClay: “Go hard, go fast!"

Opening a new $3 million methane research barn in Waikato this month, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay called on the dairy sector to “go as fast as you can and prove the concepts”.

$2b boost in NZ exports to EU

New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.

Featured

Carrfields invests in new Ashburton R&D hub

The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.

Elite sheep dogs to go head-to-head at Ashburton A&P Show

A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.

National

Tributes paid to Jim Bolger

Dignitaries from  all walks of life – the governor general,  politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church…

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Red faced

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…

Cold comfort

One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter