Parting shot?
OPINION: Environment Minister David Parker, likely in the final weeks of the job, remains hell-bent on burning bridges with farmers.
Groundswell NZ farm emissions spokesman Steve Cranston told Rural News the group had "very little" to agree with in the current He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) proposals.
"I would say the original intent of HWEN was good, a collective approach to create pricing at the margins, as well as promoting uptake of new technologies and management," the Waikato based agriculture and environment consultant says.
"Unfortunately, it has been designed with major reductions of emissions in mind rather than trying to better understand our climate footprint and then set appropriate reductions from there."
Cranston says Groundswell is still working on its counter proposal. However, he hinted it will likely be based on data collection, best practice management and improved research into carbon sequestration rates.
"Some form of pricing or credits trading are likely required to ensure fairness and that we remain on course - around 2025/26," he added. "Farmers should have genuine input on how this works - so we won't be defining that now."
Cranston is hopeful Groundswell's alternative will allow the NZ farming sector to certify climate neutrality by 2030.
"We plan to socialise our proposal with other political parties so, farmers have a credible alternative with the election in two years."
He says Groundswell believes that any emissions scheme should be designed to promote NZ farming's low climate impact to consumers - not just reduce emissions.
Rural News understands that Groundswell recently had a Zoom meeting with HWEN to discuss its farmer survey results and suggest changes.
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
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