Farmers for Climate Action has welcomed detail on $63.8 million of government investment in low-emissions farming.
The investment includes $30.8 million for more on-the-ground outreach to help farmers reduce emissions – something Farmers for Climate Action has been calling for.
Speaking from the Government’s first Sustainable Agriculture Conference in Toowoomba, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt also announced $28.7 million to improve emissions accounting in the agriculture and land sector and $4.4 million over 10 years for the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries to become a partner to the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), which will research ways to reduce agricultural emissions.
Farmers for Climate Action CEO Natalie Collard said the approach of helping farmers to reduce emissions through research, improving accounting and better engagement is the best way forward.
“Minister Watt acknowledged this commitment was a ‘down payment’ on future investment, while signaling that he is listening to industry by investing in on-ground help for farmers aiming to reduce emissions as Farmers for Climate Action had called for. We thank him for this considered approach to reducing farm emissions,” Ms Collard said.
“FCA has also called for more research to assist farmers in reducing emissions, and we are pleased to see investments in this space, too.
“We know we need accurate measurement of farm emissions and this investment is warmly welcomed also.
“Coming after the Government has announced welcomed reforms including new vehicle pollution standards, this is very good news.
“Farming families are leading the way on reducing emissions and it’s time coal and gas billionaires reduced theirs, too. Collective action will not only address the climate challenge but enhance the prosperity and sustainability of regional communities.”
