Genetic modification could be key to decarbonising agriculture

The Government's put up funding for the establishment of a Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions, as part of its Emissions Reduction Budget.

Federated Farmers' president says already, scientists at AgResearch have developed a rye-grass which could help slash emissions by 20 percent.

Andrew Hoggard says there's also potential gene-editing of cattle.

He says it encourages a low methane trait in the herd, a lot faster than traditional breeding methods.