Early Bird I Friday June 28th 2024

Public consultation on live animal exports to happen before September, independent review to investigate methane science and targets, and several regions buck dwindling farm sale trends. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Public consultation on live animal exports to happen before September Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard has announced that the coalition Government is advancing its commitment to reinstate livestock exports by sea, with public consultation set to begin before September.  The value of livestock exports by sea was over $300 million in 2022. The government sees potential for growth in this trade to support primary industries and rural communities. New Zealand livestock is in demand for breeding purposes, aiding other countries in achieving their food security goals and providing New Zealand farmers with an additional revenue source. Reinstating livestock exports by sea will require an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and the development of strengthened welfare standards throughout the export process before the trade resumes. The government will release a discussion document for public feedback before September that will gather input on necessary legislative changes, achieving high welfare standards, and maintaining New Zealand's reputation as a responsible exporter. Cabinet decisions are expected by the end of the year, with the introduction of legislation to Parliament planned for early 2025, followed by updated regulatory standards. Minister Hoggard is encouraging public submissions to ensure all perspectives are considered in the policy development process. Independent review to investigate methane science and targets The Government is delivering on its promise to undertake an independent review of methane science and targets to ensure consistency with no additional warming from agricultural emissions, according to Climate Change Minister Simon Watts and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. An independent panel will report back to the Government by the end of the year, providing evidence-based advice on what New Zealand's biogenic methane target should be to ensure no additional warming.  Cabinet has approved five appointees to the independent Ministerial advisory panel, including its chair, Nicola Shadbolt, a former climate change commissioner, respected farmer, academic, and director with extensive governance experience. The panel comprises highly-regarded climate and atmospheric scientists with extensive domestic and international experience on climate change and biogenic methane. The panel’s report will complement the Climate Change Commission’s review of the 2050 targets this year and inform the Government’s response to the Commission’s advice in 2025.  The Government is committed to meeting climate change obligations without shutting down Kiwi farms, ensuring that targets are fair and sustainable.  To ensure efforts to cut emissions do not reduce agricultural production, the Government is investing more than $400 million over the next four years. This investment will accelerate the availability of tools and technology to reduce on-farm emissions and includes an extra $50.5 million over the next five years to scale up investment in the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre.  The upcoming consultation on the second emissions reduction plan will also cover plans to support the sector in reducing agricultural emissions in more detail. Money about to run out for National Science Challenges Scientists and researchers in the agri-sector and beyond are facing significant challenges as funding for the National Science Challenges ends on Sunday, with no immediate replacement funds. Over the past decade, these 11 Challenge areas received $680 million, with peak funding years reaching $97 million and $64 million allocated this year. Joanne Todd, director of the National Science Challenge for high-value food and beverages, stated that her team of researchers and scientists are committed to continuing their work over the coming months, despite having no allocated funds beyond June 2024. Todd's unit, has contributed to research on Zespri kiwifruit’s sleep-promoting qualities, Sanford's greenshell mussels’ impact on joint pain, and validating the high nutrient content of Torere Macadamias’ Gisborne-grown nuts. However, Todd and other science challenge groups are anxiously awaiting the outcome of a comprehensive review on the future of New Zealand's science funding, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman.  Despite the forthcoming summary, there will be several months without definitive funding, risking the loss of talented scientists to better-funded research programs in other countries.  Todd has called for an interim lifeline of $5 million annually over the next decade to sustain research and development efforts involving 18 institutions. New Zealand's national science investment as a percentage of GDP is currently at 1.47%, below the OECD average of 2%. The reduction in funding could push New Zealand's investment to 1.37%, equal to Lithuania and behind Turkey. Several regions buck dwindling farm sale trends. The latest data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) reveals significant trends and shifts in the rural real estate market, with a notable decrease in farm sales across the country.  Nine hundred and fifty-one farms were sold in the year to May 2024, a reduction of 232 sales compared to the previous year.Sales of different farm types varied, with dairy farms experiencing a 26.3% decrease, dairy support farms down by 24.2%, grazing farms decreasing by 33.7%, and finishing farms falling by 17.2%.  The REINZ All Farm Price Index, which adjusts for differences in farm size, location, and farming type, fell by 1% from the three months to April to the three months to May 2024 and saw a significant 12.8% drop compared to the three months ending May 2023. Regionally, five areas recorded an increase in farm sales compared to the same period last year, with Auckland and Gisborne/Hawkes Bay seeing the most significant rise of eight sales each. Compared to the three months to April 2024, six regions saw increased sales, notably Otago with seven additional sales and Nelson/Marlborough with three more sales. Costly forestry legislation repealed The Government has repealed legislation that required the compulsory registration of log traders and forestry advisers. Forestry Minister Todd McClay explained that the existing legislation was ineffective and imposed unnecessary costs on forest businesses. He expressed confidence that voluntary registration through the New Zealand Institute of Forestry would be a better way to ensure the quality of forestry advice. These changes will take effect on July 1, and the Government will refund any fees or levies already paid to the Ministry for Primary Industries this season.  Forest owners have welcomed the repeal, saying that it will provide relief and assurance to growers facing increased regulatory complexities. The legislation aligns with the Government's pre-election commitment to cut wasteful spending and restore confidence in the forestry sector. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.