ETS costs cut 66% for forest owners – McClay
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Primary Industries Minister David Carter says the Government is reviewing three forestry schemes to decide whether they need to be tweaked to encourage more forestry plantings.
This coincides with a fall in the international price of carbon from a high of $25 to the present low of $3 a tonne.
Carter says he's aware of the criticism about overseas carbon credits. "Anybody in the New Zealand forestry industry expecting a return out of carbon is obviously concerned. They are looking for ways to insulate New Zealand from the international carbon price. I personally believe we need to see more trees planted in New Zealand particularly in areas of the land which are eroding significantly."
Carter says the three schemes in question – The East Coast Forestry Project, The Hill Country Erosion Programme and the Afforestation Grant Scheme – are being reviewed.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.

OPINION: Election years are usually regarded as the silly season, but a mate of the Hound reckons 2026 is shaping…
OPINION: If farmers poured just a few litres of some pollutant into a stream, the Green Party and the wider…