In New Zealand, the government has abandoned a plan to tax livestock belching and farting

Breeders can breathe easy. New Zealand's centre-right government announced on Tuesday (11 June) the abandonment of its controversial plan to tax greenhouse gas emissions such as belching and farting on livestock, which has never gone down well with operators.

“The government is committed to meeting our climate change commitments, without closing farms.”New Zealand Agriculture Minister Todd Maclay said.

Furthermore, a new law will be introduced to Parliament in June to exclude the agricultural sector from the new emissions pricing scheme. “It is absurd that we are having to move jobs and means of production, while the least carbon efficient countries produce the food the world needs.”The minister added.

Zero emissions by 2050

About six million cows and twenty-six million sheep graze in New Zealand. Just under half of greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, with livestock being the main cause. Their belching and flatulence release methane, while their urine releases nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.

The previous government, led by the Labor Party, Jacinda Ardern, unveiled this project targeting farm animals in October 2022, which angered breeders, hoping to achieve the goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The agriculture minister said the new government says it wants to help farmers reduce emissions through technology, without cutting production or exports.

Day 9 June, the energy ministry and natural resources will be able to provide information on new petroleum exploration and gas exploration in 2018, which will announce the introduction of operations and defense groups. From the environment.