NZ Govt on track to ban full Farm-to-Forest conversions
Friday 9 May 2025
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has confirmed that
restrictions on full farm-to-forest conversions on LUC 1-6 farmland will
be in place this year, and reaffirmed that they will take
effect from 4 December 2024 - the date of the original announcement.
Enabling legislation will be introduced to Parliament during Q2 of this
year.
“The Government is focused on maintaining strong food and fibre
production while supporting sustainable land use. We remain concerned
about the effect that farm conversions are having on highly productive
land — particularly sheep and beef farms in Northland, the East
Coast and parts of Otago and Southland,” Mr McClay says.
The new rules, now progressing through Cabinet, will ensure balance and
recognise the value of both forestry and farming, while providing
certainty for our food producers.
Key changes include:
- A moratorium on full farm to forest conversions from entering the
ETS for Land Use Classification (LUC) 1-5 actively farmed land.
- An annual registration cap of 15,000 hectares for forestry entering
the ETS for LUC 6 farmland.
- Up to 25% of a farm’s LUC 1-6 land to be planted in forestry
for the ETS, ensuring farmers retain flexibility and choice.
- Excluding specific categories of Māori-owned land from the
restrictions, in line with Treaty obligations, while ensuring pathways
for economic development.
Mr McClay says that transitional measures for landowners who were in the
process of afforestation prior to the 4 December 2024 announcement
would be available where they could demonstrate qualifying evidence of a
forestry investment.
“These sensible rules will give certainty to rural communities,
while providing clarity for foresters,” Mr McClay says.
Click here for more information.
Source: NZ
Government
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