While the numbers in the SOPI report look good and there are positive signs, there are also some headwinds.

OPINION: It's promising that the Government has adopted ACT’s long held policy of recognising on-farm sequestration for climate change. They should adopt the rest of our climate policy and take a practical approach to emissions that don’t hammer our agriculture sector.

Sheep and beef farmers are welcoming a Government announcement that sequestration will be part of an agricultural emissions pricing package.

When the door slammed shut on New Zealand in March 2020 it also closed the gate to one of the viability fundamentals of the country’s livestock industry – stock auctions.

The Meat Industry Association (MIA) says it rejects the Government’s emissions pricing proposal.

The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) says tension in the farming sector is at least partially responsible for a drop in farm sales.

Dairy Dairy commodity markets were weaker again in October 2022.

Primary sector partners have signalled a united determination to advocate strongly for farmers on emissions pricing.

While the forecast for global sheepmeat and beef demand is generally positive, an increase in farm expenditure and inflation could significantly reduce farmers’ margins.

The He Waka Eke Noa Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership and Māori Agribusiness Partners are calling on the Government to change key aspects of its proposal on agricultural emissions pricing.