Farmers protest tax on livestock natural gases in New Zealand

Tractors, jeeps and other vehicles disrupted traffic in cities such as Wellington and Auckland to protest what is called tax against “burping and farting” of animals.

Earlier this month, center-left Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern introduced a bill to tax greenhouse gases emitted naturally by the country's six million cows and 26 million sheep.

New Zealand proposes taxing emissions produced by farm animals

The New Zealand government proposed, this Tuesday (11), to tax the greenhouse gases that farm animals produce when they burp and pee, as part of a plan to combat climate change. The proposal includes taxing both methane emitted by livestock and nitrous oxide emitted mainly by fertilizer-rich urine – which together contribute to about half of the country's total emissions.

Thousands of farmers gathered in Wellington this Thursday (20) with banners against the project and warning that the tax will increase food prices.

“Most farmers have seen enough,” declared a protester in Wellington who gave his name only as Chris. “It is becoming difficult to continue raising cattle and this government is not really supporting us. It’s a difficult job at the moment.”

Animals naturally produce methane and nitrous oxide. Scientists estimate that methane is responsible for almost 30% of global rise in temperatures.

Ardern said that the tax is necessary for the country to achieve climate objectives and that it could even benefit farmers if they can charge more for meat that meets environmental parameters.

(with AFP)

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