Rewarding farmers who embrace sustainability
Winners of DairyNZ’s Sustainability and Stewardship awards in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards have their eyes firmly fixed on progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy.
DairyNZ says the sector is committed to playing its part to reduce global methane levels by 30% by 2030.
Global methane does need to reduce and the dairy sector will do its fair share to reduce emissions alongside all sectors, says DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle.
However, he wants farmers to know the pledge doesn't mean dairy farming emissions need to reduce by 30%, and wants the Government to acknowledge this.
"New Zealand dairy is already the world's most emissions-efficient dairy milk producer, and dairy farmers are continuing their work on-farm to reduce emissions," says Mackle.
"Methane is derived from the energy, agriculture and waste sectors, and the pledge focuses on reducing methane from fossil fuels. New Zealand already has a robust 2030 methane target for agriculture in the Zero Carbon Act. The dairy sector and agritech companies have a lot of work underway to achieve it," says Mackle.
Climate Change Minister James Shaw last week announced at the UN climate change conference, COP26, that New Zealand is signing the global pledge led by the European Union and the United States.
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.
Meat processor ANZCO Foods says despite a challenging business environment, it has posted a net profit before tax of $61 million for 2023.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.