Forestry

How can sheep and beef farmers see forestry as more than a binary choice between full plantation and traditional farming? New Zealand Institute of Forestry consultant Peter Handford explores how integrating trees can enhance overall farm management, improve profitability, and deliver environmental and animal welfare benefits.

In this episode, Sarah speaks with Peter about the practical and economic aspects of forestry on sheep and beef farms. They discuss modelling different forestry options, the opportunities for carbon and timber income, and how thoughtful planning can make trees a strategic part of a resilient, well-balanced farm system.

Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton is urging a “fundamental rethink” of New Zealand’s forestry policy and its role in emissions reduction in his latest report Alt F Reset which looks at the feasibility of large-scale native afforestation. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

The deadline for the European Union deforestation law has been delayed by 12 months, but New Zealand will still need to prove that a number of commodities, including beef, have not been produced on land deforested after 2020. One Kiwi company may have a tech solution to help us map our progress. Words Rebecca Greaves.

Owners of forests registered in the Emissions Trading Scheme are challenging the introduction of an ongoing cost recovery fee, Rebecca Greaves reports.