The Government has introduced new legislation set to limit the amount of full farm to forestry conversions.

The rule changes will stop Category 1 to 5 land being converted into forestry - and those with Category 6 land will only be allowed to convert 15,000 hectares.

Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay says National had promised voters these changes were coming - and took the full year to make sure they were implemented properly.

"We're putting a moratorium in place so there can be no full farm-to-forest conversion, but we are allowing farmers to convert up to 25 percent of their own land to go into the emissions trading scheme, should they wish." 

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