Farmers back Nats' emissions plan

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."