Seeing the Carbon for the Trees – A Framework for Assessing New Zealand's Forestry Opportunities

What opportunities does forestry present? NZ landowners should ensure they fully understand the long-term financial, strategic, and environmental implications planting trees will have for their farming businesses.

Report summary

The Rabobank report Seeing the Carbon for the Trees provides a framework by which individual landowners can assess what, if any, opportunities forestry represents for their farming businesses. For some landowners, it may be a chance to get an economic return from large areas of previously non-productive land. However, for the majority of landowners, recent policy developments will provide them with an opportunity to identify and capitalise on planting incentives by planting trees that integrate with, and add value to, their existing farming system.

According to Blake Holgate, Animal Protein & Sustainability Analyst: "The key question for landowners considering planting trees on a portion of their portion of their property is whether the benefits to the overall farming business are greater with that land in trees or in its existing use. Given the long-term implications, it is important that landowners gather the appropriate information to ensure they can make an informed decision that takes into account the relevant financial, strategic, and environmental considerations."

  • Blake Holgate

    Analyst - Animal Protein, Sustainability
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