Editorial: Happy days
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is on the hunt for research proposals to help improve New Zealand’s reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, and other land uses.
The annual funding round for the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Research (GHGIR) fund is now open, with $8.9 million available over the next three years for new GHGIR projected.
The annual Greenhouse Gas Inventory reports on human-induced emissions and removals of greenhouse gases for energy, industrial processes, agriculture, land use, land-use change and forestry, and waste.
Steve Penno, MPI’s director investment programmes, says the GHGIR is focused on improving MPI’s knowledge of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions, to ensure the best possible data is available to manage emissions and inform policy decisions.
“This year we’re looking for very specific proposals in 10 priority areas, ranging from modelling variations in dairy cattle body weight to wetland mapping,” Penno says.
“The outcomes will inform MPI’s reporting to the New Zealand Greenhouse Gas Inventory and the United Nations under the Paris Climate Agreement.”
Applications close on 19 July 2023, with successful proposals expected to be announced in October.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.