Submit to emissions trading scheme
The Government has started its review of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) to assess its operation and effectiveness to 2020 and beyond.
I would like to inform you on the written submissions process for the review. The Government welcomes your feedback on how the NZ ETS is working, and how it might work better in future.
The Government has released a discussion document setting out the key issues for the review.
The discussion document includes information on the NZ ETS and poses a range of questions for your feedback.
Written submissions are being sought on some of the transitional measures that were introduced to moderate the impacts of the NZ ETS, how the NZ ETS needs to evolve for our future circumstances and operational and technical improvements.
There are two closing dates for submissions. Some matters are being treated as priority matters because they may be candidates for legislative change during 2016. Submissions on priority matters are being accepted until 5pm, February 19, 2016. Submissions on the remainder of issues under review will be accepted until 5pm, April 30, 2016.
Technical notes will also be published on some issues in December and early 2016. These will provide further detail and analysis on matters under review.
You have recently read that pastoral livestock agriculture in New Zealand should be exempt. I support that point of view. When the NZ ETS present scheme was set, questions we not really answered in science that pasture could not be credited with reverse photosynthesis and ruminants could not expel more carbon then they ate.
It is important that farmers read the consultation material, and then please consider making a submission.
I am very aware we are all not PhDs, but a practical farming business opinion will go a long way on an NZ ETS operational consideration for pastoral livestock farming to remain the viable export income stream for New Zealand.
I have had a few comments from professional stockmen and women of being tarnished by an issue raised recently in the media on an animal welfare issue. I believe it was a well thought out strategy to hone in on the very small percentage of people that are not truly professional to animal welfare considerations. The report implied to urban folk that all farming families are complicit in such unacceptable stockmanship.
The year 2015 has flown by. In review, rural aspects have been a roller coaster ride . One cannot but observe the endeavours going on in our rural district right now. With one eye I would say on the predicted El Nino influence and the other eye on the conflict and violence on the world scene, let alone a realistic farm gate return.
May I on behalf of Matamata District Federated Farmers thank Teresa Hattan, retiring editor of Rural Delivery, on a job well done and our very best wishes with her new professional career choice.