A sharp decline in new forest plantings is a lost opportunity. 

Data from the Ministry for Primary Industries shows that this year 24% less is getting planted than last year. 

Some within the industry are warning that this could result in a shortage of biofuel in coming years. 

Bio Energy Association Executive Officer Brian Cox told Andrew Dickens that they don’t plant specifically for biofuel, but instead trees grow so well, and they grow so much that they’re able to use residues for fuel. 

He said that if we’re not planting now, in 20-30 years we won’t have the biomass that we need to make fully sustainable biofuel.  

LISTEN ABOVE