Fortunately, on the surface at least, it looks to contain a few unpleasant surprises – although industry groups will be pouring over the details in the next few weeks to see if there’s any fish hooks in there.
According to the report, if farmers follow best practice in terms of animal, feed and pasture management, then they will meet the initial emissions reduction targets.
It’s from 2035 that the real change will happen and at this stage the technology to drive that does not exist.
Innovation will be needed but at least farmers still have a bit of breathing space.
Not everyone is going to be happy, especially with the estimates that, should the recommendations be followed, dairy and sheep and beef animal numbers will be cut by a third.
However, it could have been worse. Just ask those in the transport and energy industries who are facing a serious shake-up in the years ahead.
Colin Williscroft
Early emissions reduction targets within reach
Meeting proposed emissions budgets through to 2035 could result in little change to agricultural production as there are already practice changes available to cut on-farm emissions without reducing production, the Climate Change Commission says.
Climate advice given cautious thumbs up
Reaction to the Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) draft advice to the Government has been generally positive, although most of it acknowledges that there is a lot to digest.
AUT carbon report overestimates sequestration – MfE
A report claiming sheep and beef farms were almost carbon neutral overestimates the rate carbon is being sequestered on farmland, government officials claim.
Surge in demand sees AWDT double intake
A leading governance and leadership programme for primary sector women is doubling its 2021 intake in response to surging demand from aspiring female leaders across New Zealand’s food and fibre sectors, and rural communities.
SFF Co-op director stands down
Silver Fern Farms (SFF) Co-operative director Fiona Hancox is standing down from the board.
Tonight on Sarah’s Country: Newsmaker Monday
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) national wildfire specialist Graeme Still shares his experiences with recent wildfires and how we can do more to manage the risks.
China has updated the FTA with NZ, and the UK wants to join the CPTPP. NZ International Business Forum executive director Stephen Jacob weighs in.
OSPRI’s chief executive Steve Stuart gives his perspective on Hawke’s Bay farmers battle with TB.
Phil Duncan discusses the latest long-range rural weather report.
Sarah's Country brings you the latest Farmers Weekly Newsmakers tonight at 7pm on sarahscountry.com
