NZ's bold pledge to reduce methane emissions by 2050

New Zealand has pledged to cut the methane emissions from its 36 million sheep and cattle which accounts for nearly half its total greenhouse gas emissions.

New Zealand has pledged to cut biogenic methane emissions by up to 24% from 2017 levels by 2050, which its conservative government says will protect the agriculture sector and meet the country's climate commitments.

The announcement comes after the government in April ended a plan to put a price on agricultural emissions including methane produced by belching sheep and cattle, relenting to farmer pressure that the plan would make their business unprofitable.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the biogenic methane target, yet to be signed off by the cabinet, will be set at a range of 14–24% below 2017 levels by 2050.

"We've accepted a range of advice and worked closely with industry to agree a practical target that protects food production whilst substantially reducing New Zealand's farm emissions," McClay said in a statement on Sunday.

"We're delivering a practical, fair pathway that recognises New Zealand agriculture efficiency, protects jobs and production, and upholds our climate commitments."

The target would be reviewed in 2040 to ensure it aligned with science and progress of key trading partners in the area, the government said.

The previous government had introduced a plan to charge farmers for their gas emissions from the end of 2025, in what was hailed as a world first.

New Zealand, home to five million people, has about 10 million cattle and 26 million sheep. 

Nearly half its total greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, mainly methane.