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The farming sector has engaged in the national effort to draft a credible response to climate change so New Zealand is seen internationally to be doing its bit.
However, the reactions of the groups in the consultation suggest the goalposts have been shifted at the last minute, particularly for methane targets.
For example, Feds climate change spokesman Andrew Hoggard laments, “the 10% reduction target for methane by 2030 gives us a deadline for going beyond net zero more than 20 years earlier than for any other sector of NZ”.
It appears even National’s climate change spokesman Todd Muller was left out of the loop.
In fact, Climate Change Minister James Shaw took the highly unusual step of apologising to Muller for “some of the background process here which has not gone as I would have liked nor, in fact, as I intended”.
We can only guess what he’s referring to, but it’s clear that politics are going to drive the final outcome more than science.
OPINION: Entering Parliament back in 2023, I wanted to help put the fun back in farming. After six years of Labour, rural New Zealand was tired of the relentless waves of red tape and compliance, draining joy from people who just want to work the land.
The Government has struck a deal with New Zealand's poultry industry, agreeing how they will jointly prepare for and respond to exotic poultry diseases, including any possible outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI).
OPINION: Newsroom is running a series of articles looking into the influence of lobbying and has kicked it off with agriculture.
A new nationwide survey shows New Zealanders expect farmers and food producers to play a leading role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, but also gave them higher marks than most industries for their current efforts.
OPINION: We are endlessly told that livestock are responsible for half of New Zealand's total emissions.
'Common sense' cuts to government red tape will make it easier for New Zealand to deliver safe food to more markets.
Balclutha farmer Renae Martin remembers the moment she fell in love with cows.
Academic freedom is a privilege and it's put at risk when people abuse it.
All eyes are on milk production in New Zealand and its impact on global dairy prices in the coming months.
Claims that some Southland farmers were invoiced up to $4000 for winter grazing compliance checks despite not breaching rules are being rejected by Environment Southland.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
OPINION: The war of words between Southland farmers and Environment Southland over winter grazing inspections reflects a deep lack of trust…
OPINION: Milking It understands a formal disciplinary process is being conducted by Victoria University of Wellington on what one of…
