| Summary: | Dairy farming in New Zealand is responsible for approximately 18%
of total New Zealand emissions (Ministry for the Environment, 2008).
Reducing dairy farming’s share of emissions can therefore significantly reduce
the nation’s emissions profile.
There are a variety of methods that offer potential to mitigate dairy related
emissions. This Delphi study examined the expert opinions of a select group of
New Zealand agricultural science professionals regarding the feasibility,
effectiveness and affordability of practices and technologies to assist farmers in
reducing the emissions of their on-farm operations. Assessing mitigation
practices and technologies is an important step in developing effective
environmental policy and addressing New Zealand’s agricultural emissions.
Interestingly, promoting subsidies for operational and technological change as
an alternative to emissions tax was considered more effective as an emissions
mitigation policy at the farm level. Farm management was recommended for
subsidy over technology solutions and it was seen to hold the greatest
potential in reducing emissions.
The techniques that were deemed most effective to reduce nitrous oxide
included nitrification inhibitors, nutrient budgeting and winter management.
When considering economic viability, winter management and nutrient
budgeting were viewed most favourably. The methods with the highest
potential to reduce methane emissions (or increase biological efficiency)
included genetic selection and feed supplements. A further focus on feed
revealed that mixed crops and starch were highly effective supplements. In
terms of economic viability, feed supplements and genetic selection were
viewed most favourable.
Additional research should prioritise practical options (by cost) to understand
whether scientifically tested options match the profitability requirements of the
farming community. This research would prove valuable to policymakers to
further understand the potential economic and environmental implications of
mitigation strategies.
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