Thursday, 23 December 2021 13:58

Have your say on emissions pricing

Written by  Jim van der Poel, DairyNZ Chair
DairyNZ Chair Jim van der Poel DairyNZ Chair Jim van der Poel

OPINION: We’re kicking off 2022 with a road show across the regions in February so farmers can have their say on how agricultural emissions will be priced from 2025.

DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Federated Farmers will be seeking feedback on two emissions pricing options that would deliver more positive outcomes for farmers and New Zealand than the Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS).

Pricing is coming and doing nothing, in our view, is not an option. If we don’t come up with a credible alternative, agriculture would go straight into the ETS and potentially sooner than 2025.

We’ve lobbied hard to prevent agriculture going into the NZ ETS and develop credible alternative options that both protect and reward farmers, and still meet environmental objectives. The Government has agreed to listen, so it’s important farmers tell us what they think.

We formed the Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership – He Waka Eke Noa in 2019 with other agri organisations after the Government legislated to put agriculture into the ETS. Our objective is to get an alternative solution that works for farmers and still achieves environmental outcomes.

The options we’re seeking farmers’ feedback on are more practical and reward positive change: a farm-level levy or a processor-level hybrid levy.

These options recognise the different warming impact of methane and the split gas approach that we fought hard for in the Zero Carbon Act. We can, for the first time, also have sequestration on farm recognised. The revenue generated under the scheme will be reinvested back into the sector to incentivise R&D and reduce emissions.

We want to build on the good work farmers are already doing, maintain a level of control over our futures, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure Kiwi farmers maintain our competitive advantage on the global stage.

We have already convinced the Government of the need for a split gas target in the Zero Carbon Act, and the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report (AR6) continued to advance the international discussion on the use of advanced metrics for short-lived gases, like biogenic methane. The science continues to develop, and DairyNZ is working with leading scientists in this field.

Accurate measurement of warming impacts is one of the factors that needs to be considered when setting emissions targets. We will continue to argue this issue on behalf of the sector, and will also continue to advocate for a science-based approach when the Independent Climate Change Commission reviews targets in 2024.

Farmer feedback will inform the recommendations He Waka Eke Noa makes on a preferred option that will be sent to the Government in April 2022. The Government will make final decisions which is why it is so important farmers have a say now. Without He Waka Eke Noa, the Government would proceed with the NZ ETS.


We encourage farmers to come along to our February roadshow to have their say, ask questions about the emissions pricing options and help shape our sector’s future. Key information including details on how the options would work is also on our website at dairynz.co.nz/HWEN.

More like this

DairyNZ plantain trials cut nitrate leaching by 26%

DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.

Featured

'One more push' to eliminate FE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.

Winston Peters questions Fonterra divestment plan

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter