Farmers say the media isn't giving them a fair go over changes to the emissions trading scheme (ETS).
Agriculture was going to come under the polluter pays regime in 2015 but the Government announced on Monday it was giving the sector an indefinite reprieve.
That's been criticised by opposition parties who say the scheme won't work unless agriculture - the country's biggest greenhouse gas emitter - is included.
Federated Farmers says media reports have been inaccurate.
"The delay applies to biological emissions only," it said today.
"All farms and orchards have been in the ETS since July 1, 2010 - farms pay the ETS on fuel and electricity, they pay it indirectly through the supply chain on things as diverse as processing costs, animal remedies, wire netting, fencing, feed and fertiliser."
Since the ETS was drafted by the previous Labour government, farmers have vigorously argued animal emissions shouldn't be included because they can't do anything about methane-belching cattle.
Extensive research is being carried out to find ways to minimise it and they say agriculture should stay out until answers are found.
The Government has come around to that view as well, and says it isn't going to reduce the international competitiveness of the country's biggest export industry.
NZN