The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has acknowledged the 2035 climate target and the Agriculture and Land Sector Plan, announced by the Prime Minister, Treasurer and Minister for Climate Change and Energy today.
NFF Interim Chief Executive Su McCluskey said climate action is vital, and agriculture is already actively contributing.
“It’s encouraging to see our nation collectively striving for solutions with this 62-70% range target,” Ms McCluskey said.
“While the NFF supports an economy wide aspiration of net zero by 2050, it cannot be net zero for agriculture.
“If we don’t get climate policy right, farming will only get harder. Quite simply, we cannot comprise our food and fibre security.”
The simultaneous release of the Agriculture and Land Sector Plan sets a pathway for agriculture’s engagement with Australia’s Net Zero Plan – to transition to net zero by 2050.
The sector plan recognises Australian producers are “global leaders in low-emissions food and fibre production”, supports a balance between agriculture, carbon storage and nature repair, and states decarbonisation must benefit farmers and regional communities. The NFF supports these principles.
“Food and fibre security must come first, and it is reassuring to see this recognition has been embedded in the sector plan. Productive farmland should not be sacrificed to offset emissions from other industries,” Ms McCluskey said.
“We will review the six sector plans to understand the practical pathways that can be achieved to meet those ambitions.
“Right now, agricultural land is under pressure. Farmers have little say in transmission lines tracking across arable land, while demands are increasing from renewable proponents and carbon only revegetation projects.
“Ag is already the forefront of emissions reduction, having cut its net-greenhouse gas emissions significantly since 2005.
“Farmers are being led by science and innovation to tap into animal genetics that focus on low-carbon outcomes, advances in feed additives, and methane-mitigating pastures.
“We are committed to working with our members and the Government to ensure agriculture remains at the forefront of smart, practical climate policy.”
Stacey Davidson