Climate change

Given that climate change may have significant implications for the agriculture and food sector, and that its impacts are uncertain, governments and industry must work in a coordinated way to support increased research into:

a) climate change and its impacts on Australia and the agriculture and food sector, including economic and social impacts

b) strengthening adaptive capacity, including through developing easily accessible farm and regional level management and decision tools, and providing related training

c) better understanding of whole of farm emission profiles, and of the potential for emission reductions and carbon sequestration in agriculture.

Government response

Recomendations 14(a) to 14(c)
Agree.

The Australian Government is investing $1.8 billion in climate change measures across all sectors of Australia’s economy. The Government understands the significant risk climate change poses for the agricultural sector and has funded programes to provide information and tools necessary to manage and adapt to potential changes in climate. The keys to successful outcomes will be strong collaboration and coordination of activity across jurisdictions.

The Government has led the development of the National Agriculture and Climate Change Action Plan (2006–2009) through the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC). The Action Plan will provide better policy coordination between jurisdictions and identifies strategies and activities to guide the consideration of agriculture and climate change interests in adaptation, mitigation, research and development, and awareness and communication.

The Council of Australian Governments has also asked the NRMMC to report on the potential to develop emissions intensity benchmarks in agriculture and associated environmental management systems. Work is progressing under the Action Plan and the Ministerial Council is expected to consider its response in November 2006