Levelling the Grazing Paddock

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26686/pq.v18i4.8015

Keywords:

agriculture, emissions, option for change, pollution, subsidies, taxation

Abstract

This article assesses the financial contribution made by the primary sector in terms of taxes paid. It also reports on some of the  subsidies, concessions and other forms of assistance that the primary sector receives from the government. We provide illustrative examples of indirect subsidies to intensive farming. We also provide examples of farmers being paid to de-stock their land. In highlighting the significant direct and indirect financial subsidies to the agriculture sector, and concluding that national and local governing bodies are reluctant to take direct action that results in costs to farmers, we propose the radical solution of paying the polluters to stop polluting. This approach has recently been adopted in Europe and is also already in place in Taupö and Rotorua. While it will be unpalatable to many who do not pollute, it overcomes the current self-interested stymieing of reform by polluters. As a one-off payment, it could provide a quick resolution to mitigate ongoing harms. It also addresses the privatisation of profits for polluters and the socialised costs that are otherwise passed on to future generations.

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Author Biographies

Mike Joy, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Mike Joy is a freshwater scientist and a senior researcher at the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies, Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka.

Lisa Marriot, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Lisa Marriott is professor of taxation at the Wellington School of Business and Government, Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka.

Simon Chapple, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Simon Chapple is director of the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies, Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka.

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Published

2022-11-06