Media Release

11 December 2009

Meat & Wool New Zealand working for sheep and beef farmers at climate summit

Meat & Wool New Zealand’s Regional Manager – Europe, Anne Berryman, is attending the Copenhagen climate summit to represent the interests of sheep and beef farmers.

Meat & Wool New Zealand Chief Executive, Dr Scott Champion says Ms Berryman has been working with agricultural organisations in Europe and encouraging them to make their voices heard on the importance of an appropriate treatment for agriculture.

"This is an area where Meat & Wool New Zealand's overseas office personnel add particular value. Our people are on the ground in key markets and understand the context of these international discussions,” Dr Champion said.

“Meat & Wool New Zealand has already encouraged a collaborative approach on sustainability issues at the recent Global Sheepmeat Forum in Brussels and we will continue to encourage our counterpart farmer organisations to seek differential treatment for agriculture at Copenhagen.

“There is momentum for a politically binding agreement to be reached at Copenhagen so it is important that we continue to contribute our analytical and industry expertise to reach fair and workable outcomes for sheep and beef farmers.

“These issues are critical for sheep and beef farming businesses as they will impact pastoral farming for the next 50 years.

“New Zealand sheep and beef farmers are at the sharp end of climate change. New Zealand so far is the only country to include agriculture in its domestic climate change legislation and it is essential that we take a lead in encouraging other nations to recognise the importance of efficient production systems for the climate and the global community.

“Meat & Wool New Zealand has been advising the New Zealand Government on what is necessary for agriculture out of these negotiations and we will be on hand to provide assistance as the negotiations progress.

“New Zealand sheep and beef farmers are highly efficient. We are continuing to implement new technologies and management practices that improve our resource efficiency, to deliver productivity improvements that address the growing global demand for food under a lower environmental footprint.”

New Zealand’s post-2012 climate change policies, including any 2020 emissions target, must be achievable and realistic and need to balance environmental and financial implications, Dr Champion said.
ends

© Scoop Media