Market-led solution for emissions
OPINION: Thanks to the much-needed review of the methane science being announced, the topic of agricultural emissions is back in the discussion along with all the associated misinformation.
Federated Farmers says the Government's climate change target, announced last week, is an ambitious one for New Zealand in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030.
Feds climate change spokesman Anders Crofoot says this target is in line with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report which says reducing fossil fuel use will need to be the major focus to achieve this target.
However, Crofoot says agriculture will also play its part in developing technologies which will increase productivity while reducing carbon intensity of primary sector products.
"Agriculture takes its responsibilities as NZ and global citizens seriously and the primary sector already has an impressive track record in achieving carbon efficiency.
"We continue to play a role in meeting the world's demand for nutrient-dense protein and finding solutions which address climate change concerns and the food security dynamic.
"To date, the amount of carbon released in producing a block of butter here in NZ is the lowest in the world. It is important to make sure our approach to reducing NZ's emissions does not undermine our critical export industries.
"Climate change does not begin or end at NZ's borders and NZ plays a world leading role as one of the most emission-efficient food producers and exporters in the world."
Crofoot says NZ's primary sector has made huge gains in carbon efficiency in the past three decades, through enhanced animal and plant genetics, and greater understanding of livestock digestion and metabolism. He says our agricultural emissions intensity has declined at least 20% since 1990.
Solar generation company, Lodestone Energy is now delivering energy from its second solar farm, Rangitaiki in the Bay of Plenty.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being urged to their say in the upcoming levy referendum to enable Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) to continue its work for the sector.
James and Debbie Stewart from Dairylands in Manawatu impressed judges and took out the 2024 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award.
Manawatu farmers Will Hinton and Kali Rangiawha have scooped the 2024 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year.
More bull breeders are using genetic tools according to the latest research.
Fonterra has appointed a new chief financial officer, seven months after its last CFO’s shock resignation.
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