Free phone within New Zealand: 0800 123 733
Email: info@carbonfarming.org.nz
Welcome to Carbon Farming Group
News in Brief
- The forestry calculator has been updated to include regional variations and age of the forest. Click here to try it out.
- Discussion on soil carbon has gained momentum, read our thoughts here.
The Carbon Farming Group is an independent not for profit organisation which provides information to the rural sector on climate change. This website aims to provide an overview of the current issues.
ETS Amendments Now Law
The emissions trading scheme amendment legislation passed it's third reading on the 25th of November to become law. To read a press comment on the law passing visit our News page here.
Main points of the revised ETS include:
- Agriculture not commencing until 2015, previously 2013.
- Forestry remains unchanged.
- Target of 50% reduction on 1990 levels by 2050 (not 100% by 2030 as previous)
- A fixed price option of $25 for sectors having to meet obligations, instead of purchasing credits
- 50% obligation for solid fuels, industrial processes, and stationery energy from July 2010 to Jan 2013.
Quote of interest:
" we face completely new demands and potential restrictions on our exports." "But it is not about Governments, traditional agriculture protectionism and Government-imposed restrictions. It is about our customers and the giant retailers who decide sourcing." - Tim Groser, Minister of Trade
» Learn how to use this website
Emissions Trading Scheme
The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has been developed to meet New Zealand's commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. All New Zealanders will be affected by the ETS. This will generally be in the form of increased fuel and power costs, but for some it could mean accounting for direct emissions such as methane from sheep and cows.
Calculators
The Carbon Farming Group has developed simple ETS calculators to enable assessment of potential liabilities and opportunities. There are calculators for:
- Farm
- Forestry
- Other Emissions
Kyoto & Climate Change
Science indicating human induced climate change has resulted in the development of the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol has binding commitments for signatory countries (such as New Zealand), to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2012.
It is estimated that New Zealand will require 45.5 million carbon credits by the end of 2012.