Farmer events to discuss emissions proposal challenge
DairyNZ’s serious concerns about the Government’s emissions pricing proposal, and the next steps, will be discussed with dairy farmers at events starting this week.
The Government’s proposal differs from He Waka Eke Noa partnership recommendations and DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel says the changes are unacceptable for farmers and the primary sector.
Events are being held nationwide from this Thursday, October 20, where DairyNZ will discuss the proposal, share concerns with farmers and seek feedback.
“There are fundamental shifts from what the sector and its farmers proposed, particularly around governance, price-setting and sequestration,” said Mr van der Poel. “The changes have impacted the balance and equity of achieving emission reductions and pricing, which the whole primary sector worked hard to create.
“The sector needs industry-led solutions we can all support. We stand behind the He Waka Eke Noa recommendations – the Government received a credible option that would support emission reductions while enabling farmers to maintain profitability.
“It’s crucial now that we actively and collectively raise our concerns with the Government over the coming weeks, to help the impacts on farm businesses to be heard.”
Government consultation is now open and DairyNZ will be advocating strongly on farmers’ behalf to make it clear the pricing proposal as it stands now must change – for the better. Of particular concern are changes to sequestration, farmer collectives and pricing.
Consultation runs until November 18, with the final decision due in December.
DairyNZ’s events will be held nationwide as listed below and supported by online webinars. The first webinar will be this Thursday, October 20, at 12pm. Find more information or register here.
In-person events
- Whangarei: Wednesday, October 26, 10am -12pm
- Morrinsville: Thursday, October 27, 10am -12pm
- Feilding: Wednesday, November 2, 10am -12pm
- New Plymouth: Thursday, November 3, 10am -12pm
- Ashburton: Wednesday, November 9, 10am -12pm
- Invercargill: Thursday, November 10, 10am -12pm.
Media contact
Justine McLeary
Senior media specialist
p 027 808 0673
e justine.mcleary@dairynz.co.nz