Understanding obligations and opportunities with the ETS

Understanding obligations and opportunities with the Emissions Trading Scheme.

Following the conclusion of the Zero Carbon Bill consultation process, it has become clear that the local agriculture sector is likely to be included in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). While there is still debate on which of the three proposed Zero-Carbon Bill options will be applied, there are obvious benefits to be gained for farm businesses in establishing appropriate tree plantings, or retiring certain land areas to offset possible future emission liabilities.

"Obligations of the ETS will also bring opportunities for farmers and it is vital the new policy is understood by those set to be impacted, including farmers. Farmers should ensure they are positioned to capitalise on opportunities, document their carbon footprint, and compare it to data on plant and lab-based alternate proteins. When we can accurately measure what we have on-farm, and wrap the right story around carbon neutrality, we can then effectively take that to market.” said Crowe Horwath’s Agribusiness Specialist, Sean Bennett.

Shane Jones, New Zealand’s Forestry Minister stated the government wants to “fix the ETS to make it more streamlined, accessible and flexible and give users more confidence and certainty,” Jones admits there has not been clear, consistent information around the ETS, further commenting “one of the proposed improvements is a consistent, transparent way of making a decision about the supply of ETS units.”

Current policy supports shelter and erosion planting as a method to create carbon credits.

“If farmers can build on programs already in place by becoming more strategic with plantings, there is potential for farm businesses to create another income stream.” continued Bennett.

Assessing your exact carbon neutrality score requires input from carbon specialists however there are methods to develop a rule of thumb understanding of how individual farm businesses rank in carbon neutrality – 12 hectares of pines, willow or poplar trees per 1000 sheep, or 5.7 hectares per 100 beef cattle and 8.7 hectares per 100 dairy cows are carbon neutral.

“Most sheep and beef farm businesses we have assessed have proved to be carbon positive or well on the way to being so.” stated Bennett “Sheep and beef farmers have an easier road to being carbon neutral, with latest figures showing that 24% of natural vegetation is on sheep and beef farms. There will be a point where we need to work alongside the dairy industry, as all agri sectors will be grouped together from a legislative perspective.”

With significant gains to be made from the ETS, Bennett urges farmers to take the time to educate themselves on their carbon position and consider how they can use it to their advantage. “If used correctly, it is an instrument that can add real value to your farming business.”

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Sean Bennett, Agri Specialist, Crowe Horwath
Email: sean.bennett@crowehorwath.co.nz
Telephone: +64 6 858 5565
Cell phone: +64 21 298 8734

For a high resolution image of Sean Bennett click HERE
To hear Sean's interview on "The Country" click HERE

About Crowe Horwath
Crowe Horwath New Zealand is the largest provider of practical accounting, audit, tax and business advice to individuals and small and medium businesses from a comprehensive network of over 20 offices. Crowe Horwath is part of a global accounting network that delivers high quality audit, tax and advisory services in over 100 countries. We are the relationship that you can count on - large enough to offer a range of expertise and skills - and small enough to provide the personal touch.
www.crowehorwath.co.nz

Disclaimer
This press release provides general information only, current at the time of dissemination. Any advice in it has been prepared without taking into account your personal circumstances. You should seek professional advice before acting on any material.

Crowe Horwath NZ Limited is owned by Findex Group Limited. Crowe Horwath NZ Limited is a member of Crowe Horwath International, a Swiss verein. Each member firm of Crowe Horwath is a separate legal entity. Crowe Horwath (NZ) Limited and its affiliates are not responsible or liable for any acts or omissions of Crowe Horwath or any other member of Crowe Horwath and specifically disclaim any and all responsibility or liability for acts or omissions of Crowe Horwath or any other Crowe Horwath member.

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