Quotes attributable to NFF Chief Executive Tony Mahar
Today Australia joins 122 other countries in signing the Methane Pledge.
Signing the pledge signals Australia's voluntary commitment to participation in global action on methane emissions. For agriculture it will reinforce our demonstrated commitment to sustainability and ongoing access key markets as an export orientated sector.
Farmers are already leading the charge on climate action in Australia and have earned a seat at the table and the strong assurances and partnership provided by government mean the pledge will not negatively impact on farmers or the agriculture sector.
We understand some in our industry are concerned what impact this will have on farming businesses. We take these concerns seriously and have raised them with the Federal Government, receiving assurances farmers will not be adversely impacted by Australia signing the pledge.
Australian agriculture cannot and will not tolerate interventions like the New Zealand or Netherlands governments are implementing which target and undermine agriculture's productivity.
We welcome Government's commitments which recognise the role farmers play in sustainably producing food and fibre and managing the landscape every day of the week as part of the ongoing emission reduction journey.
Farmers have been given assurances there will be no new taxes or regulation on livestock methane, and no reduction to agricultural production nor livestock numbers. This commitment recognises agriculture's existing achievement, future plans and dedication to ongoing partnership with government to develop technology-led solutions and associated innovation.
We are confident Australian agriculture and farmers will retain a seat at the table as the conversation continues and this dialog with government is open and dynamic
Australia's farm sector has already reduced its emissions by about 59% on 2005 levels. And our red meat sector is planning to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Agriculture has worked hard on progress in the climate conversation, ensuring our agenda is heard and our caveats are understood.
