Our Vision For The Bay Event
By Dr Alison Dewes
This event was well-attended with Damien O’Connor, Rachel Depree (Zespri), Andrew Kempson (Fonterra), Graham West (NZ Farm Forestry), and Chris Brennan (MOXI) all presenting. John Burke and Alison Dewes facilitated the speakers and discussion.
Over 70 people attended the event, including BOPRC councillors and planners, which provided some good discussion during the afternoon.
It is excellent to note that Fonterra’s emissions reduction targets for 2030 have been accepted and reinforced by the international Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). This is a globally-recognised organisation that defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting. You can read more about Fonterra’s announcement here:
Graham West and Chris Brennan spoke about the implications of trees on farms, covering the income potential from both natives and exotics.
Chris Brennan (MOXI) covered the three key points to retiring land profitably: lower cost of establishment, leveraging funding, and generating a return via ETS. He discussed a range of ways to apply these principles and reminded us that to be eligible for the ETS you must have 1ha minimum area, 30m average width, 30% minimum canopy cover, and species that can reach 5m in height.
Graham West discussed how to ensure the best profit is achieved when planting exotics. This included becoming familiar with the Farm Forestry Association, using a consultant for advice, getting three quotes for harvest management and marketing costs, getting roads and skids harvest-ready for when log prices lift, allowing funds for site prep and replanting, and managing tax liability. Other points Graham covered were how to understand and plant your marginal areas, use reliable species with the best genetics, prune and thin, avoid straight lines, and use amenity species on boundaries.
Rachel Depree from Zespri noted that consumers have growing expectations for a better planet and society. The environmental concern is global and rising fast in Asia. Globally 64% of all consumers are highly concerned about the environment and their worries are mounting. The drivers of change fall under environment, social and governance factors.
Andrew Kempson outlined the Fonterra Climate Road Map, what premiums are provided, what partnerships are underway with key customers, and the different drivers coming from different customers.
Please see our speaker's presentation links below:
