Draft emissions plan a mixed bag

Kate Acland, chair of B+LNZ, says the industry good organisation is still digesting the consultation documents and will work with farmers over the coming weeks to develop a comprehensive response.

“Our primary concern is that there are a number of mentions to a definite price on agricultural emissions by 2030,” Acland says.

“There has been a significant reduction in sheep and beef emissions in the last couple of years as a result of afforestation,” she adds.

“From a sheep and beef sector perspective there is no need for a price if reductions are already happening.”

Acland says that because these recent emissions reductions have been driven by afforestation, references in the consultation materials on the intent to put limits on whole-farm conversions to forestry are positive.

“There is absolutely a place for forestry, our concern has always been about the scale and pace of whole sheep and beef farms being sold to convert into forestry for carbon credits.

“We need to see the detail, but are encouraged by the Government’s signal in the consultation document that they intend to put limits on whole farm conversions being entered into the ETS.”

Acland says B+LNZ is “hugely supportive” of the integration of trees within farms, something that could go a long way towards meeting New Zealand’s climate objectives.

However, she says that even if some restrictions on afforestation are introduced, land-use change will continue.

“This underscores our argument that there is no need for a price on agricultural emissions.  

“There are better ways of achieving emissions reduction outcomes. We should be looking at what’s working in other countries, particularly around incentivising the use of technologies. 

“The consultation documents do focus on mitigation technologies, and seem to support the need for greater recognition of on-farm sequestration – however there remains a lot of detail to work through with our farmers,” Acland concludes.