Latest news with #EmissionsTradingScheme
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Forestry not behind sheep decline
We need to see the sheep for the trees, Richard Holloway writes. There is trouble down on the farm with a turf war heating up between two of New Zealand's larger export sectors — sheep and forestry. In the latest iteration of its "Save our Sheep" campaign, Federated Farmers has released a pseudo David Attenborough video that shamelessly likens sheep to an endangered species, squarely focusing the blame on exotic forestry. You would have to laugh if it was not serious. Sheep numbers have declined dramatically since 1990 — by about 60% — but the reasons why do not match the anti-forestry rhetoric of the campaign. The area of exotic forest has been stable for over 20 years. In 2002, New Zealand's exotic forest area totalled 1.78 million ha. By 2020 — the most recent year for which Statistics New Zealand holds land use data — this had decreased by 10% to 1.6m ha. A 2024 study by Orme & Associates (commissioned by Beef + Lamb NZ) found 146,331ha of sheep and beef land was sold for forestry conversion from 2021 to mid-2024. This figure was based on planting intentions — not actual area planted — and included farm sales still awaiting approval. Combining the 2020 statistics with the O&A data to mid-2024 brings the total to 1.75m ha — marginally less than the total area of the forest estate reported in 2002. And this assumes that none of the baseline forest area reported in 2020 has since been deforested. Additional land has been sold for forestry since mid-2024, but planting has slowed. Fewer seedling orders, reduced planting contracts and minimal Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) participation all suggest a waning momentum. The political winds have shifted, putting the brakes on forestry by tightening the rules for registering land in the ETS, particularly whole-farm conversions. Late last year, the government introduced a moratorium on registering exotic forestry on land use capability (LUC) classes 1-5, and a hard cap of 15,000ha per year for new exotic forest plantings on LUC 6. The conclusion is that the area of land planted in exotic forest is, at most, not much more than it was way back in 2002. That is two decades with relatively little net change. So, it is implausible that increased forest area is the main reason for declining sheep numbers. Dicing this another way, most new forest planting occurs on LUC 6 and 7 land. Even if we are generous and assume this land supports on average 10 sheep per hectare, the math still does not add up. If forestry was the main reason for declining sheep numbers, the area of exotic forests would need to have expanded by 3.4m ha since 1990. The real causes for declining sheep numbers are well known. A major driver is that land has shifted to more profitable uses, especially dairy, which grew nearly 80% between 2002 and 2020. Productivity per animal has increased significantly, particularly in terms of lambing percentages and slaughter weights, resulting in higher production from fewer breeding animals. At the same time, sheep farmers have faced highly variable output prices and rapidly increasing production costs. The strong-wool industry has been decimated by changing consumer preferences and the market clout of the petrochemical industry. As synthetic fibres surged, wool has been relegated to the status of a low-value nuisance byproduct. Farmer demographics are shifting, with an average age of 58 and rising, due to the difficulty of attracting and retaining new entrants. Throw in significantly increased regulation and compliance costs and you have got the real culprits driving the decline in sheep numbers. Not forestry. Profitability of forestry outperforms sheep hands down. Being able to generate regular income from the sale of carbon is a bonus, providing cashflow that smooths the volatility of sheep and beef returns. On the environment front, there is sound evidence that forestry is a more environmentally sustainable land-use than pastoral farming on much of New Zealand's steeper hill country. Trees reduce sediment loss, landslips, and improve water quality and biodiversity outcomes vis-a-vis pasture. The one caveat to this is at harvest, which must be appropriately managed to mitigate environmental damage. Farmers are highly exposed to the effects of a changing climate. For many, forestry is a way to make a small and positive contribution to the emerging climate crisis. Sooner or later New Zealand's agricultural sector will be held to account for its greenhouse gas contributions. Forestry provides some farm-level insurance for when that happens. Changing land use is an integral part of a functioning market economy. We are no longer running sheep on prime dairy land on the Canterbury Plains, or milking cows on prime kiwifruit land in the Bay of Plenty. Where farmers are deciding to plant exotic forestry, this should be applauded as an entirely rational and legitimate land use choice. By all means, let us have a discussion on the decline of the sheep industry, but a little more attention to the facts and a little less stoking of anti-forestry sentiment would better reflect the standard of evidence-based advocacy that Federated Farmers once held itself to. • Richard Holloway is a Canterbury-based farmer-forester and agricultural economist.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Council Connects With Landowners At Planting For Profit Field Day
Council was on the ground on 10 June at Porangahau Station in Te Karaka, sharing practical insights and supporting landowners at Beef + Lamb NZ and Te Uru Rākau's 'Planting for Profit Field Day'. The event brought together farmers, land managers, and forestry advisors for a farm tour and a series of workshops focused on land management. Sessions covered practical topics such as carbon forestry 101, how to navigate the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), strategies for erosion control, riparian planting and building farm resilience through proper planning. Bryce McLoughlin, Senior Land Management Advisor, was a key speaker presenting how Council is working alongside the community to support sustainable land use across Tairāwhiti. 'Every property is different - and that's why we have our land management advisors out there, working directly with landowners to provide tailored support.' 'We're helping farmers, land managers and landowners make informed decisions using the latest science and planning tools.' Mr McLoughlin also shared how Council is using science and powerful technology to better understand the landscape and support long-term change. 'We now have access to technology and modelling we've never had before.' 'It's helping us understand the land in much more detail and that means we can give more precise advice and support to landowners.' This includes access to high-resolution LiDAR data, a landslide susceptibility and connectivity model, gully assessments, and field verification - which are all tools Council is using to guide smarter land use. The farm tour also provided a space for farmers and advisors to share their observations, suggestions and lessons learned from their own properties. There were various discussions ranging from where to focus erosion control to how planting could complement existing land use. Speakers also included forestry advisor Tim Petro, who gave a practical overview of carbon farming, and Danielle Castles from Te Uru Rākau, who led a workshop on the ETS. Mr McLoughlin said events like these are a valuable opportunity to connect with locals and strengthen relationships. 'Having these conversations are incredibly valuable for our team,' he said. 'It helps us ensure Council's work reflects what's happening on the ground and the priorities of the people who work and live here.' For more information on Council's sustainable land use work programme, visit
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Farmers Still Rushing To Convert Land To Forestry
Article – RNZ Whole farm-to-forest conversions continue, according to a new report released by Beef and Lamb New Zealand. Gianina Schwanecke, Producer/Presenter Whole farm-to-forest conversions continue, according to a new report released by Beef and Lamb New Zealand. The research, carried out by Orme and Associates on behalf of Beef and Lamb, found close to 40,000 hectares of sheep and beef farms had been sold for forestry since September last year. The report also confirmed 29,518ha had sold in 2023 and 30,483ha in 2024. It brings the total amount of farm-to-forestry conversions since January 2017 to more than 300,000-ha. Beef and Lamb estimates this has resulted in the loss of more than 2 million stock units since 2017. Chair Kate Acland said the data underpinned longstanding concerns about whole farm-to-forestry conversions. 'The numbers show whole-farm sales for conversion to forestry for carbon credits are continuing at pace,' she said. 'What we're really concerned about is whole farms, really good productive land getting planted into trees.' The research showed Hawke's Bay, Wellington and Wairarapa remained preferred locations, while Southland had also seen a notable increase. There was a significant slowdown in the Gisborne region, likely due to the environmental impacts of adverse weather events such as Cyclone Gabrielle and tightened harvesting conditions being set by regional councils. Acland said they were not against incorporating forestry within farms, adding if most farmers planted 10 percent of their least productive land in trees, they could still maintain production. 'We're very supportive of incorporating trees within farms. and I think there's a real opportunity here for farmers to be part of the solution.' This week the government introduced new legislation to restrict farm-to-forest conversions on Land Use Classification (LUC) 1-6 land. Under the changes, which will retroactively take effect from December last year when the policy was originally announced, up to a quarter of farms can be planted in forestry for the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). There will also be a ban on full farm-to-forest conversions entering the ETS for actively farmed land and an annual cap of 15,000ha for forestry entering the ETS for lower quality farmland. Acland said while the government putting restrictions around whole farm to forest conversions was positive, she wasn't sure it went far enough. 'Anecdotally we're still hearing of a significant number of farms being sold this year, despite the government announcing the limits last year. 'We're concerned that some sales are continuing on the basis of intent to purchase land before the limits were announced. We urgently need the government to tighten the criteria around proof of intent to purchase.' Additionally, she was particularly concerned about class 6 land, which she said was 'some of the most productive sheep and beef breeding country'. Acland said carbon forestry had a comparatively 'short-term return' when compared to sheep and beef. 'I think we need to recognise the importance of the red meat sector for the economy of this country.' Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford echoed some of these concerns, saying the country was approaching critical mass for sheep production. He said the new forestry conversion rules were moving 'slowly'. 'We're gonna see more processing plants close, we're gonna see a lot more communities close down unless we do something about this issue across the country.' The legislation is now before Parliament and is to come into force October 2025.
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Farmers Still Rushing To Convert Land To Forestry
, Producer/Presenter Whole farm-to-forest conversions continue, according to a new report released by Beef and Lamb New Zealand. The research, carried out by Orme and Associates on behalf of Beef and Lamb, found close to 40,000 hectares of sheep and beef farms had been sold for forestry since September last year. The report also confirmed 29,518ha had sold in 2023 and 30,483ha in 2024. It brings the total amount of farm-to-forestry conversions since January 2017 to more than 300,000-ha. Beef and Lamb estimates this has resulted in the loss of more than 2 million stock units since 2017. Chair Kate Acland said the data underpinned longstanding concerns about whole farm-to-forestry conversions. "The numbers show whole-farm sales for conversion to forestry for carbon credits are continuing at pace," she said. "What we're really concerned about is whole farms, really good productive land getting planted into trees." The research showed Hawke's Bay, Wellington and Wairarapa remained preferred locations, while Southland had also seen a notable increase. There was a significant slowdown in the Gisborne region, likely due to the environmental impacts of adverse weather events such as Cyclone Gabrielle and tightened harvesting conditions being set by regional councils. Acland said they were not against incorporating forestry within farms, adding if most farmers planted 10 percent of their least productive land in trees, they could still maintain production. "We're very supportive of incorporating trees within farms. and I think there's a real opportunity here for farmers to be part of the solution." This week the government introduced new legislation to restrict farm-to-forest conversions on Land Use Classification (LUC) 1-6 land. Under the changes, which will retroactively take effect from December last year when the policy was originally announced, up to a quarter of farms can be planted in forestry for the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). There will also be a ban on full farm-to-forest conversions entering the ETS for actively farmed land and an annual cap of 15,000ha for forestry entering the ETS for lower quality farmland. Acland said while the government putting restrictions around whole farm to forest conversions was positive, she wasn't sure it went far enough. "Anecdotally we're still hearing of a significant number of farms being sold this year, despite the government announcing the limits last year. "We're concerned that some sales are continuing on the basis of intent to purchase land before the limits were announced. We urgently need the government to tighten the criteria around proof of intent to purchase." Additionally, she was particularly concerned about class 6 land, which she said was "some of the most productive sheep and beef breeding country". Acland said carbon forestry had a comparatively "short-term return" when compared to sheep and beef. "I think we need to recognise the importance of the red meat sector for the economy of this country." Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford echoed some of these concerns, saying the country was approaching critical mass for sheep production. He said the new forestry conversion rules were moving "slowly". "We're gonna see more processing plants close, we're gonna see a lot more communities close down unless we do something about this issue across the country." The legislation is now before Parliament and is to come into force October 2025.
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
ACT Councillors Will Oppose Local Government Climate Activism
ACT Local candidates, once elected, will oppose attempts to manage emissions at the local government level, ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton has announced. 'ACT believes the proper role of a council is to deliver core services and resilient infrastructure – not to try to change the weather,' says Mr Luxton, who is at Fieldays today. 'Councils should focus on what they can control, not sign symbolic declarations, publish costly 'climate strategies', or employ teams of climate advisors at ratepayer expense. In practice, ACT Local's policy would mean: No local emissions reduction plans No 'climate emergency' declarations No ratepayer-funded climate junkets No emissions reduction slush funds Emissions disregarded in all consenting and land use decisions Spending based on value for money, not carbon Continued improvement of infrastructure like stormwater and stopbanks 'Emissions reduction is properly handled – and indeed, already is handled – at the central government level, such as through the Emissions Trading Scheme. 'Through the ETS, all New Zealanders, including council decision-makers, are already incentivised to reduce emissions in whatever way is most cost-effective for their circumstances. If a council wants to save on its energy costs by switching to LED street lights or electric buses, go for it. But additional grandstanding over climate action is just an expensive virtue signal. 'In Parliament, ACT is addressing local climate activism with Mark Cameron's member's bill to stop councils from considering emissions in their land use plans. ACT councillors would take this a step further, working to secure majorities around the council to take climate ideology out of councils entirely. 'Ratepayers expect potholes to be fixed, not platitudes about planetary salvation. ACT councillors will focus on delivering the basics well, with less waste and lower rates.' ACT has now completed candidate selection and in the coming days will begin to announce its candidates in territories across New Zealand. Examples: ACT spokespeople are available to offer commentary on any local council's climate plans. Cameron Luxton is at Fieldays, and ACT Climate Change spokesperson Simon Court will be in Auckland. Local climate plans typically have flow-on effects for consenting decisions, staffing, procurement policies, and council assets like vehicle fleets. Councils representing three-quarters of New Zealand's population have declared climate emergencies. Whangarei District Council has declared a climate emergency, with an Emission Reduction Plan which replicated national targets to produce net zero emissions by 2050. Auckland Council has a Climate Plan introduced in 2020 to halve emissions for the region by 2030 reach net zero emissions by 2050. Tauranga City Council has committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Hamilton City Council has an ' Our Climate Future ' strategy with goal to reduce the city's emissions by 82% by 2050, and a commitment to 'consider climate change in all we do'. Horowhenua District Council has a Climate Action Plan to 'limit future impacts of climate change by reducing future emissions'. Councils in Wellington, Wairarapa, and Horowhenua have signed up to a joint Regional Emissions Reduction Plan to 'help drive the system change that creates the environment for behaviour change'. Hutt City Council has set a goal of reducing emissions to net zero by no later than 2050. Wellington City Council has a ' First to Zero ' plan to become a net zero emission city by 2050, and has declared a State of Climate and Ecological Emergency. Christchurch City Council has a plan to half emissions by 2030, compared with 2016/2017. Dunedin City Council has a Zero Carbon Plan to become a carbon neutral city by 2030. All of these plans are redundant because emissions targets are set nationally by central government, and behaviour change is advanced via the Emissions Trading Scheme.
