Farmers for Climate Action alliance joins the NFF

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has today welcomed Farmers for Climate Action as an Associate Member of Australia’s national peak agriculture body. NFF President Brent Finlay said that joining forces will strengthen the agriculture and farm sector’s advocacy and influence on policy measures needed to help the sector adapt to a changing climate and respond to Australia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. “Managing farm businesses in an increasingly variable climate is a real challenge for Australia’s farmers. As a nation, how we address this challenge will affect the competitiveness of Australia’s farm sector,” Mr Finlay said. “The NFF welcomes Farmers for Climate Action as an Associate Member and we look forward to working closely with them in advocating for practical climate policies that will help meet Australia’s emissions reduction targets while ensuring that our sector can continue to grow and prosper. “We believe there are opportunities to be harvested by increased investment in innovative solutions to climate challenges on farm. There are real opportunities for industry and government to co-invest in innovation to find the cost-effective emissions reduction technologies and practices that also improve on-farm productivity. “Together with Farmers for Climate Action we will pursue farm-ready policy outcomes for the sector.” Farmers for Climate Action [http://www.farmersforclimateaction.org.au/] is a new alliance of farmers and leaders of agriculture working to strengthen Australia’s response to climate change and enable farmers be part of the solution in order to protect the future of farming and our communities. Committee member Lucinda Corrigan said becoming an Associate Member of the National Farmers’ Federation made sense for a grassroots organisation that wants to work with their peers to protect the future of farming and food and fibre production in Australia. “Our members recognise significant changes are occurring in many sectors of agriculture, from grains to dairy to viticulture to fisheries, due to a changing climate. These are big issues that won’t be solved by an individual or individual group,” Ms Corrigan said. “We want to work with as many fellow farmers as possible, and as many agricultural leaders as possible to ensure the interests of farmers are front and centre when it comes to making decisions. “Our members are interested in everything from how farmers can take part in the current Emissions Reduction Fund, to how we can attract more investment to innovate in adaption and mitigation, as well as the opportunities that renewable energy represents for farmers and regional communities.” Ms Corrigan, who is a cattle farmer and agribusiness leader from New South Wales, said Farmers for Climate Action had spent the past two months surveying more than 1300 farmers across the country on their views, experiences and expectations related to climate change and agriculture. The alliance will present the findings to Federal MPs next week in Canberra. Farmers for Climate Action will participate its first NFF Members Council this Thursday and Friday.