New Zealand sheep and beef farms close to being carbon neutral

“Currently, most vegetation on sheep and beef farms does not qualify for inclusion in the Emissions Trading Scheme because it does not meet the definition of a forest,” he said.

“If farmers are to face a price for agricultural emissions, it is only fair they get credit for their sequestration.

“The focus to date on livestock’s climate change contribution has been on emissions, rather than on sequestration.

“But with any product it makes sense to consider the whole business – in this case, taking a whole farm approach.”

AHDB’s head of environment, Dr Jonathon Foot, said the report was a welcome addition to the limited evidence on carbon sequestration on grazing landscapes, but added there were significant differences between the UK and NZ, with UK-specific data still vital for demonstrating the role of grazing lands in the industry’s pursuit of Net Zero by 2040.

“Current UK studies, although limited, show there is significant opportunity to increase carbon stocks, particularly in areas with low carbon stocks,” Dr Foot added.

“Proving livestock and manures have an important role in improving carbon sequestration across our entire agricultural system.

"Across industry, with the involvement of scientists and farmers, research is underway to better understand the options available for enhancing and preserving regional specific carbon stocks in the UK.”