CA ANZ responded to the three questions posed in the Discussion Document released by the Ministry for the Environment. In particular, we agree with the proposal to defer the farm-level obligations for animals-farmers activities by two years (i.e. option 2). 

This option would also enable the obligations to be more appropriately and narrowly targeted as proposed by the He Wake Eke Noa – Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership. A robust and well-understood policy is necessary for an enduring and effective system. 

It is also critical that time is taken to ensure farmers are well versed in and equipped to navigate their obligations under an agricultural emissions pricing policy. This is likely to involve nationwide training, including on how to use an emissions calculator.

We also encourage publication of the timeline of activities over the next two years and an explanation of why this timeframe has been selected. This information will aid future development and implementation of the regime.