If you have 100 hectares or more of post-1989 forest land registered in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), you must use the Field Measurement Approach (FMA) to calculate your forest's carbon stocks. We've created a step-by-step process so you can see what's involved.
Post-1989 forestry participants with 100 hectares or more of forest land registered in the ETS are subject to the FMA. Participants must complete a set of forest measurements at least once for each mandatory emission return period. The current period ends 31 December 2022, with the final emissions return due 30 June 2023. Participants should ensure that they have an up-to-date plot set before they start measuring.
The field measurement approach (FMA) uses information you collect about your forest to create participant-specific tables. You can then use these tables to calculate the carbon stock of your forest.
You must use the FMA if you have 100 hectares or more of post-1989 forest land registered in the ETS at any time during a mandatory emissions return period. If you have less than 100 hectares of forest land registered in the ETS you cannot use the FMA. Instead, you need to use the carbon tables in the Climate Change (Forestry) Regulations 2022 to assess your carbon stocks.
If you aren’t sure whether you should be using the FMA, contact us at FMArequests@mpi.govt.nz
Calculating the amount of carbon in your forest land
The carbon tables in the regulations give average values for forests across New Zealand. These tables cannot account for the range of growing conditions seen in individual forests. Differences in growing conditions lead to variation in forest growth, which affects how much carbon a forest stores.
The FMA produces participant-specific tables which can provide a more accurate estimate of carbon stock for participants with a large amount of forest land.
If you need to use the FMA, you’ll need to contact Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service and we will give you a set of sample plot locations for your forest. For example, if you have 100 hectares of exotic forest land you will need to set up at least 30 plots.
In each plot you will need to collect information like the number of trees, tree diameter, and height. The ‘FMA Standard’ and the ‘FMA Information Standard’ tell you exactly how to do this.
We use the information you collect in the sample plots to create a set of participant-specific tables for your forest land. You then use these tables to calculate the carbon stock of your forest, the same as you would with the carbon tables in the regulations.
From 1 January 2023, you only need an up-to-date set of participant-specific tables for the emissions return at the end of a mandatory emissions return period. For all other emissions returns, you must use:
Unless there are changes to your forest land after you do your measurements, you only need to measure your forest land once in each mandatory emissions return period.
You may choose to measure your forest and request new participant-specific tables more often.
Guide to the Field Measurement Approach [PDF, 2.6 MB]
Changes to the Guide to the Field Measurement Approach [PDF, 330 KB]
Field Measurement Approach Standard [PDF, 520 KB]
Field Measurement Approach Information Standard [PDF, 687 KB]
Field Measurement Approach information checklist [PDF, 279 KB]
Field Measurement Approach online user guide [PDF, 1.4 MB]
If you are unable to establish a sample plot or collect your information, you may be able to get a waiver or an extension.
Keep informed about forestry in the Emissions Trading Scheme by subscribing to the Forestry ETS Alert.
Subscribe to the Forestry ETS Alert
If you have questions about the Emissions Trading Scheme:
MPI uses cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies.