New Zealand has pledged to cut biogenic methane emissions by up to 24 per cent from 2017 levels by 2050, which its conservative government says will protect the agriculture sector and meet the country's climate commitments.

The announcement comes after the government in April ended a plan to put a price on agricultural emissions including methane produced by belching sheep and cattle, relenting to farmer pressure that the plan would make their business unprofitable.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the biogenic methane target, yet to be signed off by the cabinet, will be set at a range of 14–24 per cent below 2017 levels by 2050.

"We've accepted a range of advice and worked closely with industry to agree a practical target that protects food production whilst substantially reducing

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