Methane emission target reset
OPINION: For close to eight years now, I have found myself talking about methane quite a lot.
Associate Minister of Agriculture, Andrew Hoggard says the Government is progressing its commitment to reinstate live exports by sea.
He says public consultation on the issue will start before September.
The policy has proved controversial and will require an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and strengthened welfare standards would have to be developed before the trade returns.
Hoggard says he acknowledges there is significant interest in the issue, and wants to give stakeholders and the public a clear timeline for change.
“Live exports will only commence once strengthened welfare standards are developed and in effect to protect New Zealand’s reputation as a responsible exporter and international trade obligations,” he says.
“My officials are preparing a discussion document that will be released publicly before September.”
Public consultation will seek feedback on what changes are necessary to the Animal Welfare Act, how to achieve high animal welfare standards throughout the export process, and how to protect New Zealand’s reputation as a responsible exporter and international trade obligations.
“I understand animal welfare is a top priority for all Kiwis,” Hoggard says. “It’s vital, and in fact non-negotiable, that the new standards are in place before the trade is restarted. Hearing a range of voices will help us to understand how we can best achieve this.”
“After consultation, I intend to seek Cabinet decisions before the end of the year and introduce legislation to the house in early 2025, followed by updated regulatory standards.”
In 2022, the value of livestock exports was estimated to be over $300 million.
“This is not insignificant. I believe there is an opportunity to expand our live export potential and support the growth of our primary industries, and rural communities,” says Hoggard.
“I encourage people to make submissions to make sure all views are taken into account during the policy development process.”
BNZ says it is backing aspiring dairy farmers through an innovative new initiative that helps make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking a little easier.
LIC chief executive David Chin says meeting the revised methane reduction targets will rely on practical science, smart technology, and genuine collaboration across the sector.
Lincoln University Dairy Farm will be tweaking some management practices after an animal welfare complaint laid in mid-August, despite the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) investigation into the complaint finding no cause for action.
A large slice of the $3.2 billion proposed capital return for Fonterra farmer shareholders could end up with the banks.
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”.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.

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