New Zealand farmers protest cattle gas tax

Demonstrators protest against the New Zealand government’s plan to tax emissions from farm animals in Wellington on October 20, 2022. afp_tickers

This content was published on October 20, 2022 – 01:39

(AFP)

Cattle farmers walked off their farms and took to the streets of New Zealand’s cities on Thursday to protest government plans to tax greenhouse gases emitted by livestock.

Tractors, jeeps and farm vehicles disrupted traffic in cities like Wellington and Auckland against the so-called “burp and fart” line.

Earlier this month, centre-left Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern introduced legislation to tax greenhouse gases emitted naturally by six million cows and 26 million sheep.

Thousands of farmers gathered in Wellington on Thursday, holding banners calling the policy “absurd” and warning that the levy would increase food prices.

“Enough of the farmers,” said one protester in Wellington, who only gave his name as Chris. He said that it is difficult to keep rearing cattle and this government is not supporting us.

Animals naturally produce methane and nitrous oxide. Scientists believe methane is responsible for 30% of global warming.

Ardern said the tax was necessary to meet climate targets and could even benefit farmers if they were charged more to meet environmental standards.