The Government has introduced a new, standardised, science-based method for measuring farm-level greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to enhance transparency and reduce complexity in the agriculture sector, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today.

“Our farmers are among the most carbon-efficient food producers in the world, but they can’t manage what they can’t measure,” Mr McClay said.

“This new methodology is a first step towards simplifying emissions management and ensuring farmers have access to reliable, trusted tools to address on-farm emissions.”

Currently, over 10 different calculators are used across the sector to estimate emissions, leading to confusion and additional administrative burden for farmers. The new standardised methodology, developed collaboratively with industry stakeholders, will align calculators and offer a consistent approach for estimating farm emissions.

Key features of the new system include the use of farm-specific inputs such as stock counts, supplementary feed, dairy production, fertilizer use, and farm region. The design is accessible, low-cost, and auditable, leveraging data already available to most farmers. It will also receive ongoing updates to incorporate new scientific advancements and technological innovations.

“This initiative responds directly to the sector’s call for a transparent, reliable tool to measure emissions,” Mr McClay explained.

To support this initiative, the Government has committed $400 million over the next four years to fund emission-reducing technologies. Mr McClay emphasized that the Government is dedicated to working with farmers to meet environmental obligations while protecting New Zealand’s agricultural industry.

“By providing farmers with the right tools, we can ensure they remain world leaders in high-quality, sustainable food production, while preventing the closure of farms or job losses,” he added.