Emissions levy planned for New Zealand farms
New Zealand’s Government is considering proposals from its agricultural groups for a farm-level levy system on emissions from 2025.
Farming organisations, including Beef and Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and Dairy New Zealand, felt they had to make proposals or face the Government automatically entering them into the country’s emissions trading scheme (ETS), which it is currently exempt from.
B+LNZ said the He Waka Eke Noa proposals were ‘not perfect’, but significantly better than entering the ETS.
However, it said the prices which were applied under the scheme was crucial to its success with the potential for emissions policy to significantly impact farm profitability.
He Waka Eke Noa chair Michael Ahie said the recommendations enabled sustainable production for future generations while playing a ‘fair part’ in meeting climate commitments.
He said: “Our recommended approach would enhance NZ’s reputation as world leaders in low-emission food production and keep us ahead of our competitors.”
Alex Black / Farmers Guardian
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