fbpx
Print this page
Tuesday, 15 February 2022 07:55

Little to agree on

Written by  David Anderson
A Waikato-based agriculture and environment consultant says there is "very little" to agree with in the current HWEN proposals. A Waikato-based agriculture and environment consultant says there is "very little" to agree with in the current HWEN proposals.

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.

More like this

Parting shot?

OPINION: Environment Minister David Parker, likely in the final weeks of the job, remains hell-bent on burning bridges with farmers.

Ministry bagged for carpet decision

The Ministry of Education (MOE) is copping flak over its decision to carpet 800 small and remote rural schools with synthetic tiles rather than wool.

Carpet decision 'a slap in the face'

The decision to carpet 800 small and remote New Zealand schools with synthetic carpets has been labelled a ‘slap in the face’ by critics.

Featured

Sheep drench resistance costly

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.

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

A different shade of blue for Norwood

Norwood and ARGO Tractors, the Italian manufacturer of Landini and McCormick tractors, have announced an agreement that gives Norwood exclusive…