© 2022 Stuff Limited
A government proposal to charge farmers levies on livestock gas emissions from 2025 is being described as “brutal” and “political” among key players in Manawatū’s primary sector.
A consultation document was released on Tuesday for a scheme where farmers would pay a levy on emissions, that would be set by Cabinet either once a year or every three years. It would be introduced in 2025.
It would make New Zealand the first country in the world to impose farm levies to support a nation’s pledge to become carbon-neutral by 2050.
Kiwitea farmer and Federated Farmers’ national president Andrew Hoggard said the government modelling suggested there would be 20% reduction in the $10 billion sheep and beef industry.
READ MORE:
* Shelter belts could slash annual farm emissions bill under industry-designed scheme
* Climate change: James Shaw distances himself from agricultural emissions group proposals
* Is farm-specific emission pricing possible?
“Quite a few farmers have contacted me and expressed their major concerns … In my 15 years of being involved in Federated Farmers, this is probably the most feedback I have had on a particular issues [within 24 hours].”
Advertisement
Advertise with Stuff
“I see people feeling like ‘we are done’; ‘this is too much’ … I am getting this from a fair number of people messaging me.”
Federated Farmers national president Andrew Hoggard at his dairy farm in Kiwitea.
Most of New Zealand’s methane emissions are generated by livestock.
Hoggard said the impact of the emissions plan would likely be felt hardest in Rangitīkei, and potentially in more remote farming stations of the districts.
“We want farms better, not less. But at the moment, what the outcomes are saying is we are just going to farm less.
“I think what they [government] have done is viewed things from an ideological lens rather than a practical lens, and done things in a haphazard manner.”
Manawatū/Rangitīkei Federated Farmers' president Murray Holdaway says “all the ingredients are there” for protests.
Hoggard said such schemes would have a severe impact on the world’s food security.
“At the moment, the world is in food security crisis. Because of lack of fertilisers and the situation in Ukraine and Russia, big players in world wheat and cereal crops, I think millions of people are already suffering … There will be an impact that will be felt on consumers around the world.”
Manawatū – Rangitīkei Federated Farmers’ president Murray Holdaway said there was a definite possibility of protests against the proposal.
“All the ingredients are there for that [protests] to happen.
“I think it is very political. If it goes through, it will make New Zealand figures look good that we are emitting less than what we were. But most of that emissions will be taken over by overseas countries, so the world’s emissions will not go down.”
Manawatū mayor Helen Worboys, who has farmed for 40 years, said it would effect the district’s economy.
“It has a trickle-down effect [that] goes right down to our community, businesses, retail and hospitality. Everybody gets impacted.
“I am dubious about what the government proposed. I am not sure how much consultation has been done with the primary sector. It seems to be the same as what we have been going through with Three Waters.”
Manawatū’s sheep and beef farmer Gerard Richards says the scheme will affect people’s lives.
Manawatū’s sheep and beef farmer Gerard Richards, 37, said the communication lines between the industry and government needed to be honest.
“New Zealand farming industry is built over decades and decades. For this to change overnight – this is pretty hard, pretty brutal. It is affecting people’s lives.”
Manawatū Environment Network declined to comment on the proposal.
No Manawatū news is not good news
This region is teeming with stories. Rates rises due to property valuations, a proposed rail hub, health service woes, the struggling hospitality sector and planned highway projects will impact all of us.
Stuff’s job is to make sure everyone in this community knows what’s happening and how it affects them.
Our reporting on Manawatū’s biggest stories is free for everyone. If that’s of value to you, please support our work.
Stuff
Advertisement
Advertise with Stuff
Advertisement
Advertise with Stuff
*Joint winner with Newsroom
© 2022 Stuff Limited