Election: Farmers demand climate action

Thousands of farmers are calling for all sides of politics to commit to meaningful climate action and a national strategy for climate change and agriculture this election.

Farmers for Climate Action CEO Verity Morgan-Schmidt said: “Farmers across the country are battling as climate change makes itself felt through more frequent and severe weather events. We just lived through the hottest summer on record, while drought, bushfires and floods have made life increasingly difficult on the land.

“Without action to address climate change and the implementation of a national plan for climate change and agriculture, farmers will struggle to continue to produce the food and fibre on which Australia relies.

“This federal election we are calling on all sides of politics to commit to action on climate change and deliver a plan that includes a co-ordinated approach to climate risk management, mitigation and adaptation, focusing on drought, emissions reductions and water management.”

Longreach (Qld) grazier and FCA board member Angus Emmott, said: “I’m calling on all Australian politicians to show leadership and act. The impacts of climate change, including the scorching temperatures over summer and the extreme drought conditions are making it increasingly difficult to farm. It’s imperative for the future of all Australians, that we have a stable climate to support agriculture and eco-systems.

“Let’s put an end to three-word slogans, mud-slinging and propaganda and make this an election campaign based on integrity and sensible policies.”

NSW farmer and FCA supporter John Hamparsum who farms at Breeza said: “We’re seeing temperatures records fall left, right and centre: after the hottest summer on record we’ve now experienced the hottest March. Our climate is changing and we need to change with it. We need a co-ordinated approach to climate change and agriculture, beyond the disordered, Band-aid approach to drought relief we’ve seen in recent months.”

Victorian farmer and FCA member Karrinjeet Singh-Mahil who farms at Crossley said: “I strongly believe Australian agriculture has a bright future – but only if we start taking climate action seriously. This election my farm business and my community desperately need all sides of politics to come together on this critical issue.”

Farmers for Climate Action is a movement of farmers, agricultural leaders and rural Australians working to ensure that farmers, who are on the frontline of climate change, are part of its solution.

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Interviews available on request. Media Contact –  Fiona Davis, 0434 505 188, [email protected]