Farmers on track to meet 2030 methane targets, apple exports lead the charge in growing Vietnamese market, and new awards celebrate Kiwi native forest restoration efforts.

Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!

 

Farmers on track to meet 2030 methane target

Latest figures show New Zealand farmers are successfully driving down methane emissions without the need for additional taxes or emissions trading schemes. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay confirmed the agriculture sector is on track to achieve a 10 percent reduction in biogenic methane by 2030.

The newly released Greenhouse Gas Inventory for 1990-2023 reports a further 2 percent drop in agricultural emissions last year alone. McClay says these results validate the government's decision to remove agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme and abandon the previous Labour government's He Waka Eke Noa proposal.

New Zealand farmers remain among the world's most carbon-efficient food producers, however, McClay emphasizes that emissions cannot be reduced through converting productive farmland to forestry or by further cutting stock numbers.

The government plans to introduce legislation this year restricting full farm-to-forest conversions while supporting methane reduction through a $400 million investment in science and innovation. 

McClay acknowledged farmers for their hard work and commitment to innovation, noting the latest emissions reduction was achieved without implementing Labour's proposed taxes or putting a price on methane.

 

McClay voices concerns over US tariffs in letter to Trump administration

Todd McClay who is also Minister of Trade has written to his American counterparts expressing concern about the harm President Trump's tariffs will do to New Zealand and Pacific Island nations. While his officials have been in discussions with the United States Trade Representative, McClay has not yet spoken directly with anyone in the Trump administration.

In his letter, McClay outlined strong reservations about the tariffs and their potential damage not only to traders on both sides but also to Pacific Island economies. 

McClay welcomed the 90-day pause on additional tariffs for countries like China, which faced a potential increase to 145 percent. He believes an agreement between the US and China would benefit global trade by providing much-needed certainty, noting that if these two largest economies slow down, all countries including New Zealand would feel the impact.

The Government has maintained a measured approach since the tariffs were announced, with McClay emphasizing they quickly decided against retaliation.

 

Apple exports lead the charge in growing Vietnamese market

Meanwhile trade officials are actively pursuing market access for a wider range of fruit and vegetables into Vietnam following recent success with squash and strawberries gaining entry to the rapidly growing Southeast Asian market.

The Ministry for Primary Industries confirms Vietnamese officials are currently considering a request for new access for New Zealand pears, with avocados and summer fruit next on the priority list. MPI's divisional manager for bilateral relations and trade, Steve Ainsworth, says their efforts involve both maintaining current trade flows and opening up new opportunities. No requests for access have been declined by Vietnam to date.

The focus on Vietnam comes as New Zealand apple exports to the country reached $126 million last year, making it the second-largest market after China. Kiwifruit exports totaled $30 million and cherries $10 million, with industry leaders seeing significant growth potential across horticultural sectors. Vietnam's total fruit and vegetable imports reached $3.13 billion in 2019, presenting substantial opportunities for New Zealand producers.

The recent comprehensive strategic partnership signed between the two countries targets bilateral trade growth to $3 billion by 2026.

 

New awards celebrate Kiwi native forest restoration efforts

Nominations have opened for the inaugural Growing Native Forests Champions Awards, designed to recognise individuals and groups leading native forest restoration throughout New Zealand. The awards will celebrate farmers, landowners, iwi and community groups who are actively enhancing biodiversity and improving land resilience through native planting.

Native trees are critical to New Zealand's ecosystems, particularly in wildlife protection, water quality improvement, soil stabilisation, and carbon storage. These new awards acknowledge the significant environmental contribution made by those committed to native forest restoration and expansion.

Five distinct categories have been established including a Trees on Farms award for farmers incorporating native forests on their properties, a Lifestyle Block Owner category for smaller landholders under 20 hectares, and a dedicated Forestry Company award for businesses in the sector. Additional categories include a Mana Whenua award for iwi-led initiatives and a Catchment/Community Group category recognising local collaborative efforts.

The nomination period runs through to May 9th, with winners to be announced during the National Fieldays event in June.

 

Rural dog owners gain clarity on tethering rules

Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard has announced new regulations on dog tethering are being developed with practical considerations for rural and farming situations. The rules target prolonged tethering while ensuring farm working dogs and rural practices are accommodated through sensible exemptions.

Hoggard directed officials to work with the SPCA to develop regulations that are actually enforceable after rejecting initial proposals that failed to account for rural realities. 

The new rules specifically include exemptions for temporary tethering during farm dog training and when tradespeople visit properties. Inspectors will focus on cases showing clear welfare concerns such as heavily worn surfaces, waste accumulation, or dogs displaying signs of distress.

For farmers, the regulations provide clearer guidance while recognizing legitimate needs to temporarily secure working dogs. Special protections will cover vulnerable dogs including pregnant animals, nursing mothers, and puppies under six months, though with practical exemptions for rural settings.

The regulations will be introduced following an education period to ensure all owners, including those in remote areas, understand their obligations and have time to adapt their practices where necessary.

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