Editorial: Less red tape
OPINION: Farmers have always been wary of the Resource Management Act (RMA).
OPINION: The Government's recent announcement that methane targets will be reviewed is bringing relief to farmers.
The current target of 24-47% cuts by 2050 set by the previous government is unfair. Farmers are looking for a more sensible target from an independent ministerial advisory panel which will be confirmed in the coming months.
Farmers claim methane targets have been a point of contention since they were first introduced because the government of the day chose to set targets that were highly political instead of scientifically robust. They go much further and faster than what is needed and will come at a huge cost to farmers, rural communities, and the New Zealand economy.
The farmer-friendly coalition Government has been clear in the commitment to maintain a split-gas approach to its domestic climate change targets.
The independent review, which will report back to the Government by the end of the year, will provide evidence-based advice on what our domestic 2050 methane target should be, consistent with the principle of no additional warming.
Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard, a former Federated Farmers president, wants to ensure that agriculture’s contribution to the 2050 Climate Change targets are fair and appropriate compared to other parts of the economy.
“It’s important that domestic efforts to cut emissions do not drive a drop in our agricultural production."
The Government says an investment in innovative technology is the key. It expects a science-led approach is taken to assessing the targets, with the Government and sector working towards practical tools and solutions for farmers.
Other parts of the economy are being asked to reach net zero and stop their contribution to further warming by 2050, but farmers are being asked to go much further than that. That isn’t acceptable.
The real winner of this year’s FMG Young Farmer Region-off have been the regional communities.
As calving approaches, farmers need to get their teams ready for what lies ahead in the coming months.
Feeling sluggish this winter? Then try some seasonal fruit, renowned for lifting mood, energy and immunity levels just when we need it most.
The missing link in getting maximum weight gain in your calves may be as simple as keeping them warm, says the Christchurch manufacturer of a range of woollen covers for young livestock.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) and Massey University are joining forces to help raise awareness and funds to combat leptospirosis.
Auckland-based supplement and nutritional company New Image International is celebrating 40 years of business in their home country.
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