The New Zealand sheep and beef sector is very encouraged by the Government’s announcement about sequestration as part of an agricultural emissions pricing package.
“The Government has listened to Beef + Lamb New Zealand, industry groups and farmers’ feedback and recognised the importance of all genuine sequestration being recognised from 2025, particularly for sheep and beef farmers,” says Andrew Morrison, Chairman of Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ).
“While there are details to work through, we understand there is a willingness to work on the basis of what was originally proposed by the agriculture sector on sequestration while the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is expanded and improved, which we welcome.
“The devil, however, will be in the detail. This is such an important issue to our farmers that we have to get it right.
“Our farmers have told us that if they are going to face a price on their emissions, then they need to get proper recognition for that sequestration on their farms from day one.”
For many extensive farmers, sequestration is the only tool they have available to mitigate the impact of emissions pricing, says Mr Morrison.
“It was good to hear the Prime Minister reaffirm that. We will be working hard on behalf of our farmers over the coming weeks to get the best outcome for the sector on this and the other remaining elements of the agricultural pricing proposal.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact B+LNZ’s James Ford on 027 235 9806 or email media@beeflambnz.com