Market-led solution for emissions
OPINION: Thanks to the much-needed review of the methane science being announced, the topic of agricultural emissions is back in the discussion along with all the associated misinformation.
Rural lobby group Groundswell NZ says biodiversity will be the biggest loser if the Government's new biodiversity legislation is passed.
Last week, Associate Minister for the Environment James Shaw announced a new package of measures designed to protect native wildlife and at-risk habitats, including a National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity.
“The more landowners do to look after biodiversity, the more they are penalised with rules, bureaucratic interference, and costs,” says Groundswell NZ’s environmental spokesperson Jamie McFadden.
McFadden says the new legislation turns biodiversity into a liability and is “a smack in the face” for landowners who have been proactive in protecting and enhancing biodiversity on their land.
“It is a disincentive for anyone wanting to do the right thing for the environment,” he says.
“It is so disappointing to see a Labour/Greens Government fail to recognize that having motivated, empowered landowners is fundamental to protecting biodiversity on private land.”
McFadden claims the Government is hypocritical to demand landowners protect biodiversity when current climate change policies have caused the loss of thousands of hectares of native shrublands from conversion to pine forests.
“This Government doesn’t care for the environment,” he says. “They care more about control and looking good on the world stage by achieving performative targets.”
James and Debbie Stewart from Dairylands in Manawatu impressed judges and took out the 2024 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award.
Manawatu farmers Will Hinton and Kali Rangiawha have scooped the 2024 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year.
More bull breeders are using genetic tools according to the latest research.
Females are dominating the veterinary profession worldwide and many farmers are welcoming this change in the composition of the profession, says Britain's Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Professor Christine Middlemiss.
Fonterra has appointed a new chief financial officer, seven months after its last CFO’s shock resignation.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.