Friday, March 29, 2024

BLOG: Now we’re all in this together

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When primary industry leaders tabled a report offering an alternative to the Government’s plan to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions I don’t think many though it would stay on the table for long. But in a world-first move, according to the Government, that report didn’t go in the bin but was instead framed and put on the wall. He Waka Eke Noa – the Primary Sector Climate Change Commitment is now the Government’s preferred policy.
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This Government has been firm in its plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global heating. Industry leadership agreed emissions need to be addressed but balked at the plan to do it. Instead of fighting a battle they couldn’t win, those farming leaders worked on a compromise. That’s good leadership. It’s an historic moment for New Zealand farming, the sector is once again the world leader on innovating in the face of change.

But it won’t be plain sailing. Checks are in place in the coming years and if farmers don’t make good on their pledge they’ll be taxed by the processor as was to be the case under the initial proposal. But a good business owner will see the finish line for a 10% emission reduction and work to get his or her operation there with the least stress.

That means starting now. He waka eke noa means we are all in this together. The Government has realised working together with its biggest industry is better than working against it. That is to its credit. And there was a hint last week the same approach could be used for the next bit legislative issue – freshwater management. 

Farmers love to control their own destiny and this partnership lets them do that without immediate financial penalties. There will be costs, make no mistake, but farmers will incentivised to improve rather than being simply taxed. It’s not often the sector and this Government have sung from the same song sheet but it turns out when they do the tune’s pretty good.

Bryan Gibson

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