Adaptation project summaries

A national research program for climate-ready cereals – CSIRO
This national project on wheat and sorghum will evaluate existing genetic traits for climate change adaptation in different species of crops. It will identify genetic materials with improved response to higher temperature (sorghum) and to elevated temperature and carbon dioxide (wheat).

Adaptation of a range of wheat types to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration – University of Melbourne, Victorian Department of Primary Industries and Grains Research and Development Corporation
This project will complement and expand on the work undertaken in the national research program for climate-ready cereals by testing identified plant varieties in the field, using state of the art technology. It will include evaluating a range of wheat traits under elevated carbon dioxide to assess their value to cropping systems’ production and sustainability. The traits for evaluation include transpiration efficiency, height and high tillering (more stems per plant), growth, yield and resource use efficiency.

Cropping management adaptation – CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship
This project will assist the adaptation of Australia’s cropping systems to climate change by evaluating the risk to production and the available adaptive capacity of the industry. This will be undertaken across a number of locations nationally through regional engagement in model development and information provision.

Relocation of intensive crop production systems to northern Australia: Costs and opportunities – Qld Primary Industries and Fisheries, Department of Employment, Economic Development & Innovation
This project will examine opportunities for businesses in relocating to northern Australia, using the examples of tomato and rice-cotton production systems. It will explore mechanisms that will enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of these industries to the effects of climate change. It will help identify key drivers for change, as well as emerging opportunities for adaptation and options to improve practices and farm business strategies.

Agriculture transforming to adapt to climate change: The peanut industry expansion in the NT as a blueprint – CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems
This project will study the transition of peanut production systems to the Northern Territory. It will assess the environmental implications, review strategies to manage pests and diseases, and analyse the social aspects of this industry transformation. The lessons learned will be collated to provide a blueprint for farmers considering adapting to climate change by relocating to other regions.

Development of effective management strategies to adapt production to mitigate climate change challenges in the wine industry – Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC)
This project will develop, evaluate and distribute new and innovative methods to manage and maintain quality of grape production under conditions of increased heat and water stress. The project will be supported by GRWDC investments to develop winemaking practices that address climate change related challenges, such as high alcohol content in wines and the occurrence of undesirable flavours in immature or overripe fruit.

Developing improved on-ground practices and industry strategies for adapting to climate change within beef production enterprises across northern Australia
– Meat and Livestock Australia
This project will identify and evaluate better beef grazing practices and industry strategies for adapting to climate change within beef enterprises across northern Australia (Qld, NT, and the Pilbara and Kimberly regions of WA). Analysis of different management techniques and their impact on the balance between production, sustainability and profitability goals will enable producers, their industry and communities to understand the likely effects of climate change and respond accordingly. The implementation of the most promising mix of management practices in each region will be evaluated through on-property research sites.

Climate change adaptation in the southern Australian livestock industries - Meat and Livestock Australia, CSIRO and the University of Melbourne
This project will examine the impacts of climate change on the livestock industry in southern Australia. It will examine strategies for adaptation on both the farm and industry scale. It will also address key industry questions around adapting to the impacts of climate change on current production systems and incorporating mitigation options.

Reducing the impact of heat stress on animal performance and welfare in southern Australia dairy, beef and sheep industries - the University of Melbourne
This project will develop information resources to help producers make effective and informed decisions about the management of livestock heat stress. Research will focus on the dairy industry, but the project will produce guidelines for heat stress management, including nutritional interventions and associated welfare issues, which are applicable to other intensive livestock systems.

Adaptation of fishing and aquaculture sectors and fisheries management to climate change in south eastern Australia—a national case study - Victorian Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries Victoria)
This project will examine the biophysical, social and economic implications of climate change for fisheries in Australia’s south eastern region and facilitate the preparation and adaptation of the sectors to these future changes. The project will provide frameworks, tools and knowledge that can be applied across Australia at a national level and also at a regional level.