'We're not going to take it': Thousands of farmers in New Zealand protest cattle flatulence tax

It's been over a week since New Zealand's government announced taxes on cattle burps and urine emissions to control agricultural emissions.

Framers have now begun protesting against the decision.

Convoys of farmers' vehicles were seen in Auckland, Wellington, and other states, demanding the government to take back what they call the "burp and fart" tax. Thousands of farmers were seen carrying placards that read, "We're not going to take it."

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The rule was announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, stating it to be the first in the world to attempt to control methane and nitrous oxide emissions.

Methane is one of the most harmful gases. In New Zealand, methane emissions from over six million cows are one of the major environmental problems.

Ardern argued that this law is needed to slow down emissions and could even benefit farmers if they charged for climate-friendly meat.

However, the protest organiser Bryan Mackenzie said, "The government's ideological commitment to punitive and counterproductive emissions taxes on food production is an existential threat to rural communities."

"After years of faux consultation, the government has given up on all pretence of a fair and workable agricultural emissions policy," AFP quoted him as saying.

According to scientists, agriculture emissions are nearly responsible for 30 per cent of the country's climate conditions. Environmentalists argued that the farmers are stuck in the mud, and if they don't implement the rule, they with everyone will suffer due to the climate condition of the country worsening.

(With inputs from agencies)

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