Editorial: Crunch time!

Yet things are far from clear for many stakeholders.

Over 7,000 farmers have made their views known on options for emissions pricing. These are challenging issues and farmers have some strong views.

The HWEN secretariat acknowledges that "a lot of thoughtful comments" have been made. These are now being considered.

There are three options on the table: a farm-level levy, a processor-level hybrid levy or joining an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

It's clear some farmers are not prepared to embarace any of the options on the table.

Some farmers would prefer the status quo, or a different approach that would not cost farmers anything.

Many farmers expect a low-cost emissions management scheme that promotes NZ farming's low climate impact to consumers.

They point out that Kiwi farmers should not be punished for being among the most efficient producers in the world.

The HWEN secretariat says it is considering all suggestions put in front of them.

However, it points out that the reality is that they have to work within the legal requirements and timeframe the Government has set.

The HWEN secretariat has to recommend a credible emissions pricing system by the end of May, or the Government will include agriculture in the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

One clear theme coming through is a large amount of concern about the potential impact of any levy on the financial viability of farming.

No decision has been made on how much the levy would be, but HWEN hears that farmers want a voice in price setting and revenue recycling decisions.

The other issue is that not all farmers are happy with their representatives on HWEN.

Dairy News understands that Groundswell is preparig a fourth option. It is working closely with other farmer groups that have made submissions to HWEN.

The agriculture sector needs to put a submission to the Government by May 31.

Whatever HWEN decides, it must ensure that is has the backing of farmers, whom they represent.