/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/madsack/JQH2UOBKYNHHXPEEHWIAK2TNLA.jpg "Farmers protest against a tax on greenhouse gas emissions")
Farmers protest against a tax on greenhouse gas emissions
Smaller protests than expected
A tax on burping cows: New Zealand farmers protest
Cow burps are taxed in New Zealand, but now there are protests from farmers.
© Source: Pixabay
Wellington Farmers in New Zealand on Thursday protested a tax on greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. The lobby group Groundswell helped organize more than 50 protests in cities and towns across the country. However, fewer people participated in the demonstrations than expected; A few dozen vehicles took part in the largest of them.
Read more after the announcement
Read more after the announcement
At the Wellington demonstration, farmer Dave McCurdy said he was disappointed with the low turnout but most farmers work hard on their farms because the weather is good. He explained that farmers are environmentalists. The proposed tax does not take into account the trees and shrubs he and other farmers planted, which would help sequester carbon and offset emissions. Taxes and a low livestock herd would ruin many farmers.
Combating climate change
The government proposed the new tax last week as part of its plan to combat climate change. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that flatulence and belching will be taxed from 2025. All proceeds should benefit farmers again through research, funding for new technologies and tax incentives.
Read more after the announcement
Read more after the announcement
Agriculture is one of the most important industries in New Zealand, with a population of five million, ten million cattle and 26 million sheep. Dairy products generate the largest export earnings.
RND/AP
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