Articles tagged with Emissions
Showing 6 of 21 articles
New Legislation Protects Farmland from Forest Conversions, Boosting Agriculture Sector
04 Nov 2025 | 10 months ago | 964 viewsLegislation has been enacted to restrict farm-to-forest conversions on productive farmland, fulfilling a campaign promise by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay. The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme - Forestry Conversion) Amendment Act, effective from October 31, 2025, aims to protect food production, rural communities, and forestry investments. Exotic forests are limited from entering the Emissions Trading Scheme on New Zealand's most productive soils, with exemptions for Māori-owned land and erosion-prone areas, while transitional exemptions are available for qualifying forestry investments made between 2021 and 2024.
Tags: Legislation farmland Agriculture Forestry Minister Todd McClay Climate Change Response Emissions Trading Scheme New Zealand MPINew Zealand Climate Change Minister Unveils Carbon Removals Framework and Legislative Enhancements
04 Nov 2025 | 10 months ago | 913 viewsClimate Change Minister Simon Watts introduced a new Assessment Framework for Carbon Removals in New Zealand, aiming to recognize and reward non-forestry carbon removals and support landholders and businesses. The framework aligns with the Government's commitment to climate action that stimulates the economy and promotes emissions reductions, fulfilling an election promise to explore biodiversity credits for initiatives like creating wetlands. Changes to the Climate Change Response Act will streamline processes, improve the NZ ETS, expand opportunities for carbon removal recognition, and reduce compliance costs for stakeholders, with an amendment bill planned for next year.
Tags: Climate Change Minister Simon Watts Assessment Framework Carbon Removals New Zealand Emissions Reduction Plan Biodiversity credits Forestry Climate Change Response Act NZ ETSGovernment Invests $8 Million in Lower Methane Dairy Genetics Research: Boosting Environmental Sustainability in Agriculture
19 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 946 viewsThe Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research, with Agriculture Minister Todd McClay highlighting the opening of a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in Waikato. Livestock Improvement Corporation's new 'Methane Barn' will facilitate large-scale monitoring of methane produced by dairy cows, allowing farmers to select lower-emitting genetics without compromising productivity. The Government and industry aim to develop up to 11 methane-cutting tools by 2030, emphasizing the commitment to reducing emissions without jeopardizing farm operations or jobs.
Tags: Government Agriculture Minister Todd McClay methane research livestock improvement genetics methane emissions mitigation tools climate obligations methane barnGovernment Invests $8M in Lower Methane Dairy Genetics Research at State-of-the-Art Facility
16 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 876 viewsThe Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research at a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in the Waikato, according to Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. Livestock Improvement Corporation's 'Methane Barn' will allow for monitoring and measuring methane from dairy cows to help farmers select lower-emitting genetics without affecting productivity. The Government and industry aim to develop methane-cutting tools with investments totaling over $400 million, ensuring farmers can reduce on-farm emissions without compromising production or jobs.
Tags: Government Agriculture Minister Todd McClay methane research livestock improvement genetics methane emissions mitigation tools climate obligations investmentsAgriZeroNZ Welcomes New Leaders to Drive On-Farm Emissions Reduction Efforts
16 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1002 viewsExperienced agribusiness leaders Simon Limmer and Murray Dyer have been appointed to the AgriZeroNZ board by Agriculture Minister Todd McClay for three-year terms. They will join the existing board chaired by Rob Hewett to drive the adoption of new tools for reducing on-farm emissions. AgriZeroNZ, a public-private joint venture, has already invested in 14 ventures and research projects, with plans to make up to 11 mitigation tools available by 2030 to help Kiwi farmers reduce emissions while maintaining productivity and meeting climate obligations.
Tags: AgriZeroNZ Todd McClay Simon Limmer Murray Dyer Rob Hewett Silver Fern Farms Indevin Group Prime Markets agriculture emissionsNew Zealand Government Passes Bill to Protect Farmland and Forestry in Climate Change Response
17 Sep 2025 | 11 months ago | 1066 viewsThe Government passed the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme Forestry Conversions) Amendment Bill to prevent wholesale conversion of farmland to pine forests, aiming to balance food production and Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) confidence. Key changes include limits on exotic forestry registrations for productive farmland, flexibility for farmers to convert up to 25% of land to forestry, and provisions for Māori-owned land. The Bill aims to support rural economies, create jobs, and ensure ETS credibility, with a review planned for 2028 to assess effectiveness.
Tags: Todd McClay Simon Watts Government Climate Change Response Emissions Trading Scheme Forestry Conversions Agriculture Forestry New Zealand Land Use