New Zealand could tax sheep and livestock for ‘belching and flatulence’

New Zealand could tax sheep and livestock for ‘belching and flatulence’ as part of new plan to combat climate change

  • The NZ govt is planning to tax farmers for their animal’s belches and flatulence
  • The scheme has been put forward to cut down on the country’s gas emissions
  • Farmers will be taxed from 2025 but they’ll get incentives for cutting emissions 
  • It’s expected the costs will be passed onto consumers via raised price of meat

Sheep and cow burps could be taxed under a world-first move by the New Zealand government to combat climate change. 

The Ardern government has put forward a draft proposal to tax farmers for the methane emissions created by their animal’s belches and flatulence.

Almost half of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, with methane being a prime contributor to emissions in the sector. 

New Zealand farmers will be taxed for their sheep and cow’s belching and flatulence under a scheme by the government to reduce greenhouse gases

The government’s draft proposal will tax farmers for their emissions from 2025 onwards.

However, the scheme also provides incentives for farmers who cut their animal’s emissions, such as using additives in food or planting more trees. 

Methane is the second most common greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. 

New Zealand climate change minister James Shaw said: ‘There is no question that we need to cut the amount of methane we are putting into the atmosphere, and an effective emissions pricing system for agriculture will play a key part in how we achieve that.’ 

Revenue collected from taxes will go towards research, development and other advisory services designed to help farmers.

New Zealand will be the first country in the world to tax farmers for their livestock’s belches and flatulence should the proposal go through. 

Agricultural emissions have not been previously included in the country’s emissions trading scheme.

The draft plan was formed by both the government and farm community representatives.

A proposal to tax farmers for the methane emissions created by their animal's belches has been forwarded by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured) and her government

A proposal to tax farmers for the methane emissions created by their animal’s belches has been forwarded by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured) and her government

Under the proposal, farmers will be taxed from 2025 onwards. Incentives will be provided for farmers who cut emissions through food additives

Under the proposal, farmers will be taxed from 2025 onwards. Incentives will be provided for farmers who cut emissions through food additives 

Dairy farmer and national president of Federated Farmers of New Zealand Andrew Hoggard told the BBC that he agreed with the scheme.

‘We’ve been working with the government and other organisations on this for years to get an approach that won’t shut down farming in New Zealand, so we’ve signed off on a lot of stuff we’re happy with.’

‘But you know, like all of these types of agreements with many parties involved, there’s always going to be a couple of dead rats you have to swallow,’ he said.

The costs from taxes will likely be passed onto consumers through an increase in the price of meat. 

A final decision on the proposal is expected to be made in December.

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