New figures released have confirmed that New Zealand farmers are on track to meet the target of a 10 percent reduction in biogenic methane emissions by 2030.
New Zealand’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2023) showed there was a further two percent drop in agricultural emissions in 2023, supporting the government’s projections showing methane to be on track to reduce emissions by 10.1 percent by 2030.
“New Zealand farmers are among the most carbon-efficient food producers in the world, and these latest results further demonstrate that Labour’s failed He Waka Eke Noa was not needed and that we were right to take agriculture out of the Emissions Trading Scheme,” said Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.
“This is a step in the right direction; however, New Zealand cannot afford to reduce emissions through the planting of food-producing land or further reduction of stock numbers. That is why we are introducing legislation to restrict full farm to forest conversions this year and instead support agricultural methane reduction through an NZD 400m commitment to science and innovation.”
The primary sector is responsible for 360,000 jobs and contributes NZD 58 billion each year to the New Zealand economy through exports. This latest emissions reduction was achieved without Labour’s proposed taxes or a price on methane, and McClay thanked farmers for their hard work and commitment to innovations.
“The Government is committed to meeting New Zealand’s climate obligations without closing down farms or sending jobs and production overseas.”
More local New Zealand news here
