Aussie Farmers Out Of ETS ‘Faster Than A Rat Up A Drainpipe’

As predicted by Federated Farmers two weeks ago, Australia’s Federal Government yesterday opted to permanently exclude farmers from its emissions trading scheme (ETS).

“Australia is finally taking a pragmatic approach to emissions legislation,” says Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers President.

“That means New Zealand is now the only country on the planet to include agricultural gases in its emissions response. If we are to continue mimicking Australia’s emissions legislation, agriculture must also be excluded from New Zealand’s ETS.

“Land based primary industry generates 64 percent of New Zealand’s export receipts. For the sake of farmers and every New Zealanders’ quality of life, it is vital that we continue to follow in Australia’s footsteps and drop agriculture from any emissions legislation.

“Upon hearing Australian Climate Change Minister, Penny Wong, accept the views of our Aussie colleagues, the National Farmers Federation, I wondered why our Government is not being realistic over its emissions legislation.

“Australia’s farm lobby has put forward the very same arguments New Zealand farmers have It says agriculture’s exclusion does not mean farmers cannot be part of the solution.

“Federated Farmers has championed that very message since the ETS was first conceived. New Zealand farmers want to see more investment in research and development to progress and roll out new technologies to assist with even more efficiency gains.

“Prime Minister, the Hon John Key’s announcement that New Zealand will spearhead a Global Alliance on agricultural emissions research is a fantastic start. As is the establishment of a new AgResearch centre in Palmerston North that will focus on developing technology to increase productivity and efficiency.

“The Federation also supports tree planting and water storage projects, as we need water to keep the grass and crops growing if it does get a bit hotter like some climate variation ‘experts’ claim.

“The fact is New Zealand farmers are already one of the most efficient food producers in the world. We are very keen to take advantage of new technologies that have the potential to make us even more efficient at producing what is needed to earn the export dollars to pay the country’s bills.

“The Australian Government wants its amended emissions trading scheme passed through the federal Parliament within two weeks. If New Zealand plans to ‘carbon copy’ the Aussie scheme, we surely ought to exclude agricultural gases from our emissions legislation as well,” Mr Nicolson concluded.

ENDS

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