These carbon budgets determine how much each sector should emit over three five-year periods (2022-2025, 2026-2030, and 2031-2035).
To make a submission or understand more visit the Climate Change Commission website.
Read frequently asked questions here.
Webinar
Listen to Roger Lincoln (DairyNZ principal policy advisor) Nick Tait (DairyNZ Climate Change project lead) and Fraser McGougan, (dairy farmer and Climate Change ambassador) explain the Climate Change Commission’s draft advice and action the dairy sector is taking to reduce emissions.
DairyNZ's first impressions
At first glance, it appears the commission have taken a balanced and pragmatic approach and offered clear logic for their recommendations.
Of course, there will be challenges for dairy to overcome, but we are not alone. The Commission have made it clear that all New Zealanders will need to work to reduce their footprint whether that be on the farm, on the roads, or in our homes.
Although some of the recommendations about land-use change may sound confronting, we should not necessarily shy away from them. The success of New Zealand’s primary sector has always been based on land-use flexibility.
Our team is now working through the report to assess what assumptions have been made. The devil is always in the detail, and we will push back on points we disagree with.
The consultation period starts today and closes on March 28. DairyNZ will be making a submission on behalf of dairy farmers and we encourage you to make your own submission here.
A breakdown of what the Commission has recommended
- The Commission has recognised that because methane is a short-lived greenhouse gas it does not need to drop to zero by 2050 – which is great news.
- Their recommendations do not include change to the methane reduction targets set in the Zero Carbon Act.
- They have accepted the blanket planting of pine trees on farms is not a sustainable climate policy and could negatively affect rural communities.
- They have highlighted the need for long-term investment in R&D for agriculture to develop solutions such as inhibitors, vaccines, and research into selective breeding.
- They have specifically called on the Government to invest in rural broadband so that farmers have access to data and innovation.
- They have suggested a 15% reduction in the numbers of dairy cows, beef cows and sheep by 2030 while maintaining current production levels.
- It is also envisaged that there will be direct land use change from dairy farming to horticulture of around 2000 hectares per year from 2025 onward.
What you can expect from DairyNZ
- DairyNZ’s science, policy and economics team is collating a range of information to support a submission in response to the new targets. We’ll share this with you in late February.
- We’ll keep this page updated with information including a submission template
- Read DairyNZ's press release.
Further information
Timeline
The story so far
Over the last 30 years the Government has made decisions to ensure New Zealand reduces its greenhouse gas emissions in line with other developed countries. At the same time the dairy sector has acted ahead of regulation by investing in research and taking on-farm action. Here are some of the key dates: