Wellington, New Zealand- The government has laid up a proposal where it is set to collect tax from greenhouse gasses that farm animals make from burping and peeing.
According to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, this will aid in slashing carbon emissions as part of the country’s decades-long climate change initiative.
“No other country in the world has yet developed a system for pricing and reducing agricultural emissions, so our farmers are set to benefit from being first movers. Cutting emissions will help New Zealand farmers to not only be the best in the world but the best for the world.
New Zealand’s farmers are set to be the first in the world to reduce agricultural emissions, positioning our biggest export market for the competitive advantage that brings in a world increasingly discerning about the provenance of their food,” said Ardern.
In addition, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said it was an exciting opportunity for the country and its farmers.
“Farmers are already experiencing the impact of climate change with more regular drought and flooding. Taking the lead on agricultural emissions is both good for the environment and our economy,” said the Minister.
If the plan secures final approval by the end of the year, the tax payments would begin in 2025 and revenues generated by the taxes would be devoted to research and development for green technologies, as well as incentive payments for farmers who take up eco-friendly practices.
However, some farmers have condemned the proposal. The industry’s main lobby group, the Federated Farmers said they have been trying to work with the government for more than two years on an emissions reduction plan that wouldn’t decrease food production.
“Federated Farmers is deeply unimpressed with the government’s take on the proposal and is concerned for our members’ futures,” said Federated Farmers president, Andrew Hoggard.
Beef and Lamb New Zealand and DairyNZ also voiced concerns, with the latter organization saying that while Tuesday’s announcement was another step toward a new system, there was still much to do to get it right for farmers.
A similar initiative in 2003 met major resistance from farmers across the country, prompting a massive protest which saw hundreds gathering in the streets of Wellington, with some bringing along their cows and tractors.
The debate in New Zealand is part of a broader global reckoning about farming’s impact on the environment and the steps some say are needed for mitigation.
Nevertheless, the government has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make the country carbon neutral by 2050. Part of that plan includes a pledge that it will reduce methane emissions from farm animals by 10 percent by 2030 and by up to 47 percent by 2050.
