Agriculture leads significant drop in greenhouse gas emissions, millions at stake as New Zealand fights for infant formula labelling rights, and environmental stewardship and innovation take centre stage at arable awards.

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Agriculture leads significant drop in greenhouse gas emissions

New Zealand has achieved its largest quarterly reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions in 14 years, with the agriculture sector leading the charge.

Statistics NZ reports that for the March 2024 quarter, seasonally adjusted greenhouse gas emissions from industries and households decreased by 2.7%. This marks the most significant quarterly decline since March 2010, excluding the unusual circumstances of the pandemic years.

Stephen Oakley, environmental-economic accounts manager, attributes this impressive 541 kilotonne reduction mainly to lower emissions from agriculture, forestry, and fishing. This sector alone saw a decrease of 154 kilotonnes, or 1.4%, in the quarter.

The agricultural sector's emissions have now fallen 8.1% from their March 2019 high. Moreover, it showed the largest annual decrease in the year to March, with emissions down 6% or 2,776 kilotonnes from their March 2014 yearly high.

Manufacturing also contributed to the overall reduction, with emissions falling 88 kilotonnes or 4% in the March 2024 quarter. This marks the third consecutive quarter of decreased emissions for this sector.

However, not all sectors saw reductions. The electricity, gas, water, and waste services industry recorded the largest increase in emissions, up 126 kilotonnes or 7.7%. This rise was attributed to increased natural gas use for electricity generation, following an 18% decrease in the previous quarter.

Household emissions saw a slight increase of 0.6% or 12 kilotonnes, mainly due to higher heating and cooling emissions. Transport emissions from households remained relatively stable.

Looking at the year ended March 2024, overall greenhouse gas emissions rose 0.5% or 396 kilotonnes. The main contributors to this annual increase were the transport, postal, and warehousing industry, as well as the electricity, gas, water, and waste services sectors.

Millions at stake as New Zealand fights for infant formula labelling rights

New Zealand's Minister of Food Safety, Andrew Hoggard, is heading to Australia for a crucial meeting tomorrow to protect our infant formula exports to Australia and potentially to China.

The issue involves new rules that could limit how New Zealand producers display ingredient information on their packaging. These changes come from an Australian initiative to encourage more mothers to breastfeed.

However, our local producers argue that caregivers who need formula should have complete access to product information. The French company Danone has cautioned that these changes might lead to job losses and reduced exports.

On Monday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted the economic stakes. He estimated that $300 million in Australian sales and up to $2 billion in other markets could be at risk.

This regulatory alignment effort between Australia and New Zealand, which started in 2013, is nearly complete. If enacted, the new rules would take effect in five years.

Minister Hoggard says that while most of the agreement is acceptable, two key areas remain contentious. These relate to what manufacturers can include on front-of-pack labelling about ingredients or protein content.

Hoggard aims to negotiate a relaxation of these restrictions. If unsuccessful, New Zealand might need to create its own standard, which would increase costs for local manufacturers.

The minister also raised concerns about how these changes could affect our exports to China. While Chinese standards are even stricter, they currently allow imports that meet Food Standards Australia and New Zealand regulations.

Jonathan Chew, head of the Infant Nutrition Council warned that this could disadvantage New Zealand goods compared to those from the European Union, where labelling rules are less restrictive.

As negotiations unfold, the outcome will have significant implications for our infant formula industry, affecting both domestic production and our position in international markets.

Biosecurity teams head overseas to combat Bird Flu threat

New Zealand is taking decisive action against the looming threat of deadly bird flu strains, with biosecurity teams embarking on crucial missions to Australia and the United Kingdom, aiming to gather vital information and strategies.

This aggressive strain of bird flu has affected marine mammals worldwide and recently emerged in US cattle, even infecting a small number of farm workers. While New Zealand has remained free of these highly aggressive strains, the Ministry for Primary Industries is not taking any chances.

Dr Mary van Andel, Chief Veterinary Officer says that a comprehensive strategic response plan is nearing completion. This plan, drawing on the latest international data and approaches, covers 41 distinct areas. These range from surveillance and movement controls to vaccination strategies, with a focus on safeguarding native bird populations, commercial poultry, and human health.

Next week, a team will visit Victoria, Australia, where chicken farms have been affected. New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory have also reported cases. In early August, another group, including poultry industry representatives, will travel to the UK to study farm systems there.

Dr van Andel highlighted the UK's relevance, noting its similarities to New Zealand in terms of size and farming methods. The team aims to learn from commercial poultry and layer farms about effective management strategies.

The wide-ranging plan involves collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Te Whatu Ora, and the Department of Conservation. It extends to nationwide bird testing, with test kits even sent to Antarctica for use in case of concerning bird deaths.

Dr van Andel stressed the importance of implementing rigorous on-farm biosecurity measures now, before any potential outbreak. These precautions could protect individual farms and limit wider impacts.

The planning also includes strategies to maintain business continuity in the event of an outbreak. 

ATV accident claims life of respected North Canterbury farmer

The farming community is mourning the death of Neil Evans, captain of the national sheep dog trialling team. Evans lost his life in an ATV accident on his family's Omihi farm in North Canterbury on Monday.

A respected figure in the sheep dog trialling world, Evans had a career spanning over four decades. He led the New Zealand team to victory in the Trans Tasman Wayleggo Cup last November, a moment he described as deeply moving.

Evans was known for his mentorship of younger dog trainers and his commitment to passing on knowledge. His loss is keenly felt in the tight-knit Omihi community, where he was regarded as a pillar of support and guidance.

The incident has prompted renewed calls for ATV safety awareness on farms. Karl Dean, North Canterbury Federated Farmers president, reminded farmers that changing weather conditions can create hazardous situations, particularly when dry conditions are followed by rain.

Worksafe is investigating the accident. 

Environmental stewardship and innovation take centre stage at arable awards

The 2024 Arable Awards have announced their finalists, highlighting excellence across New Zealand's grain and seed farming sector. Despite a challenging season, the awards have attracted a strong field of entries, demonstrating the resilience and innovation within the industry.

David Birkett, Federated Farmers arable chair, emphasised the significance of the Positive Environmental Impact and Innovation Awards. Finalists in these categories are recognized for their efforts in creating a more sustainable arable sector.

Notable finalists include Ashburton farmer Angus McKenzie, praised for showing that environmental action can be economically viable, and Brent Austin, who's experimenting with nitrogen-fixing faba beans to improve soil health.

The awards cover a range of categories, including Cereal, Maize, and Seed Grower of the Year. The Agronomist of the Year category recognizes industry veterans and those mentoring the next generation of farmers.

Foundation for Arable Research general manager Ivan Lawrie, says the increased focus on environmental impacts across all categories, reflects a growing awareness within the sector.

From innovative farming practices to environmental stewardship, the finalists represent the  forefront of New Zealand's arable sector, driving progress and sustainability in agriculture.

The awards evening is scheduled for August 15 at the Airforce Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch.