Consultation chance

Farmers may get another chance for feedback on agriculture greenhouse gas pricing, after Cabinet considers it, and it goes for wider public consultation.

B+LNZ Director, Nicky Hyslop, said public consultation will start about October and the farm organisation will seek any method possible to talk to the proposal again.

She said the time for turning a blind eye and thinking ag emissions tax won’t happen, is past.

“That battle for that was in 2019, when talk was about bringing ag into the ETS.”

She said He Waka was a last-minute call by ag partners, and has allowed time for our industries to shape their own solution. The process had given them the advantage of getting the split gas proposal and on-farm sequestration in.

“It’s still bittersweet, but better than the ETS alternative.”

One positive from the latest He Waka recommendation is for the Government to prioritise work on nature-based solutions, and biodiversity credits. This shows a move to give farmers recognition for environmental services.

Farmers who don’t understand He Waka should talk to a rural professional, including their accountant, Hyslop said.

“Or jump on the B+LNZ website.”