Australia's agriculture industry has had its first say on issues to be considered in the Albanese Government's plan to reduce its emissions and lift its sustainability.
The Agriculture and Land Sectoral Plan is one of six sectoral decarbonisation plans under the Government's Net Zero 2050 Plan announced by Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Murray Watt said the public consultation process is the first step in developing the sector plan, which will map out the role for the agricultural sector in Australia's transition to net zero emissions.
"A wide range of stakeholders have participated in the consultation process, including farmers, peak industry bodies, private organisations, environment groups, the finance sector, universities and researchers," Minister Watt said.
"We received over 230 submissions and this strong level of interest showed just how important issues of sustainability, productivity and profitability are for the agriculture industry.
"Climate change is clearly having an impact on the profitability of producers across the country, with ABARES data showing that changes in seasonal conditions have already reduced farm profits by an $29,000 over the past 20 years.
"And as a proud exporting nation, it's also becoming more and more important from trade perspective that our industry becomes more sustainable.
"Stakeholders have raised several options for the government to consider around issues like investment in research and development, incentives to adopt new technologies and land management practices, building landholder capacity, and establishing standardised approaches to calculating and reporting emissions."
Minister Watt said Australian agriculture has made great strides in lifting its sustainability, despite a past lack of government leadership.
"Now after a decade of delay, the government is stepping up to work with industry and to match its ambition," Minister Watt said.
"Since coming to office in May 2022, we have made progress on several important activities, such as the National Statement on Climate Change, the Natural Heritage Trust rollout including Climate-Smart Agriculture programs, and our ongoing work on the Future Drought Fund.
"This consultation process was just one part of a significant and ongoing conversation with the sector building on already established climate and sustainability goals and activities.
"We will meet this challenge head-on, which will help secure the future of Australian agriculture, which is good for farmers, good for Australia and good for our economy."
