DairyNZ wants a swift decision on revised biogenic methane targets given two reviews have now been delivered to the Government.
This week, DairyNZ welcomes the Independent Scientific Review on Biogenic Methane Science and Targets, as the findings confirm earlier work on the warming impact of methane and signal a way forward for farmers and the country.
By comparison, the outcomes of the separate Climate Change Commission review of the 2050 targets are unrealistic and impractical for farmers and would make what was already a difficult stretch even more challenging.
“We need realistic targets so farmers have confidence in the investments they make for the future, and so we would appreciate a swift decision by the Government,” DairyNZ Chair, Tracy Brown, says.
“DairyNZ’s long-held position on climate targets is that they should reflect the latest science and warming impact of methane, while also considering the mitigation tools and technologies available to farmers, and the economic, social and cultural impacts.
“Even the lower end of the existing target range, 24%, will be challenging without new technologies, and we urge a realistic approach to target setting until these tools are more readily available to farmers.
“DairyNZ is committed to dairy farming playing its part in transitioning to a low-emissions economy alongside the rest of New Zealand, and we have a large programme of work covering research, economics, farm system analysis and extension to support farmers to improve farm efficiency and profitability, build resilience to a changing climate, and reduce emissions.
“Our farmers continue to work hard to improve on-farm efficiency and their environmental footprint. These efforts have seen agricultural emissions stabilise over the past decade.
“DairyNZ will engage shortly with the Government’s new Pastoral Sector Group to advise further on biogenic methane and the practicalities within the farm system,” Tracy says.
DairyNZ will further study the two reports and raise areas of issue directly with the authors.
Media contact
Jacob Quinn
Principal Corporate Communications Advisor
p 027 716 4197
e jacob.quinn@dairynz.co.nz