Government plans new measures to limit farmland conversion to forestry

The government has announced new measures to limit the conversion of farmland to forestry, responding to concerns from farming groups and rural communities. These changes aim to protect productive farmland while allowing for sustainable forestry growth. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Todd McClay stated that the changes fulfill an election promise to safeguard food production. Legislation will be introduced next year, with implementation expected by October 2025. Federated Farmers welcomed the announcement, highlighting the need to balance forestry and agriculture. They noted that over 200,000 hectares of productive land have been converted to carbon farming in recent years, impacting rural communities.