MAF Policy News
Issue 6, October 2007
ISSN 1177-701X
In this issue
Government announces climate change policy initiatives
The government recently released a comprehensive statement on climate change that sets targets for reducing New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions. The announcement include details of a proposed New Zealand emissions trading scheme (ETS) and a plan of action for sustainable land management.
The forestry sector will be the first sector to be involved in the ETS. Under the new Afforestation Grant Scheme, foresters can receive a government grant for establishing new forests on previously unforested land.
Agreement in principle has been reached to include agriculture (including horticulture, pastoral and arable farming) in the ETS by 1 January 2013. The Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Plan of Action, the Government's new partnership programme with the agriculture and forestry sectors, was developed in consultation with stakeholders. The government will continue to develop key elements of this Plan of Action in partnership with industry, local government and Māori.
The Plan of Action will cover adaptation to climate change, mitigation of climate change, business opportunities arising from climate change, research, technology transfer and communications.
You will be able to comment on the climate change policy initiatives during a series of workshops, regional meetings and hui to be held throughout the country in September and October.
More information
• Read more about the announcements and engagement programme.
• Read more about policy initiatives relating to the agriculture and forestry sectors.
• Find out about attending a workshop, meeting or hui.
• Read the Plan of Action.
• Read Forestry in a New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme.
• Read the Afforestation Grant Scheme draft guidelines.
Dairy Industry Restructuring (Transfer of Export Licences) Regulations: Draft Regulations
MAF is seeking submissions on draft regulations that would govern transfers of certain export licences between entities. These draft regulations (if agreed and promulgated) would be made under the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill that is currently before Parliament.
Dairy industry stakeholders were first asked to comment on transferring export licences earlier this year as part of the consultation on the Amendment Bill (future export rights to regulated dairy markets). You now have an opportunity to comment on the detail of the proposed system for transferring export licences.
Submissions close on Monday 22 October.
More information
• Read the draft regulations.
Forest Industries Development Agenda website
The Forest Industries Development Agenda's (FIDA's) new website provides its members and the public with information about FIDA's activities and the forest industry in New Zealand.
Through FIDA, industry and government work together to:
• ensure the forest industry can make its optimal contribution to New Zealand's sustainable development;
• develop a strategic approach to identifying and overcoming barriers to the industry's future development;
• allocate government and industry funding for agreed initiatives and projects;
• monitor the achievement of the goals and specific project milestones.
More information
• Visit the FIDA website (www.fida.org.nz).
Horticulture and cropping farmers optimistic despite tough times
MAF's Horticulture and arable monitoring report 2007, released on 27 September 2007, shows growers in some sectors expecting low or negative profits from the 2007 harvest season, with the recent high exchange rate reducing export returns. However, it also illustrates grower optimism and resilience, and notes that growers are continuing to spend on repairs and maintenance, and to develop their orchards, vineyards and arable farms.
The report presents information on the production and financial status of growers and arable farmers. It examines four issues that the horticultural and arable sectors are grappling with as they work to ensure a sustainable future and remain ahead of major competitors: labour; developing new plant varieties; sustainable management systems; and research funding.
The Horticulture and arable monitoring report covers the horticultural and arable sectors in one report, in place of the three reports published in previous years: Horticulture monitoring report, Pipfruit monitoring report and Arable monitoring report. The Pastoral monitoring report will be published in November 2007, and will cover the dairy, deer, and sheep and beef sectors.
More information
• Read the Horticulture and arable monitoring report 2007.
• To request a printed copy of the report please email policy.publications@maf.govt.nz or phone (04) 894 0252.
Primary Industries 2020 Summit, 28-29 November, Christchurch
Don't miss the chance to attend the Primary Industries 2020 Summit – the first event for over two decades that will provide business leaders from all sections of New Zealand's primary industries with an opportunity to:
• examine the key trends that are driving changes in consumer demand;
• assess the impact these changes could have on our existing markets and sectors;
• develop ideas on how businesses and sectors can build and maintain competitive advantage.
The programme includes keynote addresses from leading international speakers, combined with discussion and workshop sessions that will enable business leaders to test and refine their own business strategy thinking. The Summit will also provide opportunities to strengthen important sector networks and open the doors for new business and partnerships.
More information
• To find out more about the speakers and how to register, visit the Primary Industries 2020 Summit website (www.primaryindustries.org.nz).
New publications and reports
Forestry production and trade for the June 2007 quarter, Statistical release 03/2007, September 2007
An increase in log prices earlier in the year led to increased harvesting activity and log exports in the June 2007 quarter. Roundwood removals increased 12.9 percent, after decreasing for the past two quarters.
Permanent Forest Sink Initiative Bulletin Issue 5
In the fifth and final issue of the PFSI Bulletin you can find out about:
• the latest updates to the PFSI;
• operational start-up on 1 December 2007;
• PFSI carbon accounting;
• the key features of the suite of forestry initiatives;
• the ETS announcement.
Implications for the New Zealand wood products sector of trade distortions due to illegal logging
Illegal logging and associated trade is a significant issue for New Zealand, particularly given its potential, both here and elsewhere, to adversely affect sustainable forestry practices, forest products trade, and other economic, environmental and social values.
This report, by James Turner, Andres Katz and Joseph Buongiorno of Scion, details the production, trade and price effects of international trade distortions from illegal logging. The study considers the effect of illegal logging on both the price and the competitiveness of New Zealand wood products in domestic and foreign markets. This study shows that the elimination of illegal logging leads to significant increases in the price and production of wood products in almost all countries without suspicious harvests. An economic incentive, therefore, exists for legitimate producers in New Zealand and other countries to support a reduction in illegal logging.
Contact for Enquiries
Publications Adviser
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: 64 4 894 0657
Fax: 64 4 894 0742
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