The government has delivered on its Q4 commitment, restoring certainty and credibility to the agriculture sector by introducing a standardised, science-based method for measuring farm-level greenhouse gas emissions.
“This standardised, science-based methodology is a first step at reducing complexity and ensuring farmers have access to tools they can trust, making it easier to understand and tackle on-farm emissions," said Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.
“Our farmers are some of the most carbon-efficient food producers in the world, but they can’t manage what they can’t measure."
Currently, more than ten calculators offer varying methods of estimating emissions. This has been confusing and has only added an administrative burden to the country’s primary producers.
McClay said this methodology, developed collaboratively with the sector, has ensured alignment across calculators. This initiative directly responded to sector demands for a transparent, reliable tool. Key features included:
- The use of farm-specific inputs, such as stock counts, supplementary feed, dairy production, fertiliser use, and farm region.
- An accessible, low-cost, and auditable design that uses data readily available to most farmers.
- Ongoing updates to incorporate advancements in science and technology to ensure the method remains robust and relevant.
“To ensure New Zealand’s hard-working farmers remain world leaders in high-quality, safe, sustainable production, the Government has also invested NZD 400 million over four years in emission-reducing technologies.”
The Government has committed to working with farmers to meet obligations without closing down farms and sending jobs and production overseas.
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