Our popular Carbon Forestry Conference was back for 2021. Well over 350 industry professionals attended the packed event.

This was in response to changes in climate change and emissions trading legislation. Business leaders were keep informed of these changes as carbon farming investment opportunities continue to expand. Interest in carbon farming is strong among investors, emitters and a range of landowners.

Coinciding with renewed interest in trees for carbon farming, the Government has reformed the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). It has done this through the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Reform) Amendment Act and related regulations.

Hence it was timely for a korero on the changes and their impact on carbon forestry investments. Carbon Forestry 2021 was an industry-focused event that helped to inform and clarify legislation, trends and the growing scale in this area of land-based investments.

The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme has seen huge growth in the establishment of both permanent and production forests. Emitters from throughout the country rely on these credits to help them meet their annual requirements.

Well-organised corporate investors, with local emissions obligations, are acquiring land for carbon planting alongside an upswing in niche international investor attention. Recent rises in carbon prices have coincided with a surge in investment interest to purchase marginal land suited to afforestation to establish a forest portfolio.

In addition, across the social spectrum, there's a surge in public awareness as carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation has become increasingly important to all of us. The afforestation objectives of proactive emitters plans are closely aligned to key Government objectives. Rising carbon prices mean that these activities have growing potential for providing commercial benefits, both to landowners and investors, over the foreseeable period. The resulting establishment of many new carbon forests will deliver both environmental and sustainable development benefits to our regions.

New ideas to confront climate change head-on will continue and forestry will be a key part. Watch this space for updates on future Carbon Forestry events.