New Zealand has introduced new regulations to prevent the conversion of farmland into forestry for carbon credits.

The government will not allow forests located on the most productive agricultural land to be registered within the Emissions Trading Scheme.

This is part of a wider strategy to manage land use and protect valuable farming resources.

In addition, there will be a limit on the registration of forests established on less productive land.

These measures aim to slow down the rapid transformation of agricultural land into forestry, while still addressing carbon emissions and preserving essential farming operations.

The announcement was made by government officials in Wellington, highlighting the country's commitment to balancing environmental goals with agricultural sustainability.