We are working together to implement a framework by 2025 to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and build the agriculture sector’s resilience to climate change.
Through this framework farmers and growers will be empowered to measure, manage and reduce on-farm emissions; recognise, maintain or increase integrated sequestration on farms; and adapt to a changing climate.
The framework will include incentivising farmers and growers to take action through an appropriate pricing mechanism by 2025, in line with legislation.
We are doing this work to enable sustainable food and fibre production for future generations and competitiveness in international markets.
Andrew Morrison, Chairman B+LNZ
He Waka Eke Noa – Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership grew out of discussions about how to achieve the best outcomes for the country and the food and fibre sector while playing our part in global efforts to tackle climate change.
A group of Aotearoa New Zealand food and fibre sector leaders, the Food and Fibre Leaders Forum, put forward a pathway to reducing emissions in He Waka Eke Noa – the Primary Sector Climate Change Commitment document.
The Partners acknowledge change is required to encourage the transition to lower-emissions, more environmentally sustainable farming systems. The primary sector sees that consumers are increasingly demanding products with a low environmental impact. Many farmers and growers are already taking action to reduce the environmental footprint of their businesses, and it is important that they are supported on their journey to lower-emissions farming in a fair and equitable way.
He Waka Eke Noa has been formed to equip farmers and growers with the knowledge and tools they need to reduce emissions, while continuing to sustainably produce quality food and fibre products for domestic and international markets.
This work involves designing a practical and cost-effective system for reducing emissions at the farm level by 2025. It also includes designing an appropriate farm-level pricing system building on the principles set out in He Waka Eke Noa.
Together we have developed a programme of work.
He Waka Eke Noa partners have appointed a steering group to provide oversight and ensure delivery of the milestones and objectives of the work programme.