25 October 2019
Farmers welcome first step towards bipartisan breakthrough on climate
Farmers have welcomed today’s endorsement by Australia’s Agriculture ministers of a national strategy for climate change and agriculture.
The national climate change work program, to be led by the Victorian Government, will see governments collaborate to support farmers to tackle the challenges of climate change.
Farmers for Climate Action CEO Wendy Cohen said: “Today Australia’s Agriculture Ministers came together and not only agreed that the impacts of climate change are here now, but that we need a national plan to manage this into the future.
“This is a huge breakthrough for our farmers who right now are dealing with the impacts of a changing climate, from increasingly severe droughts to bushfires and extreme weather. And scientists tell us this is only going to get worse.
“This will benefit all Australians, especially regional and rural communities in need of new business opportunities and jobs.
“Farmers for Climate Action recent report with Australian Farm Institute highlighted the need for a national strategy for climate change and agriculture. Today’s announcement forms the first part of that puzzle.”
Farmers for Climate Action Chair and Bowna beef farmer Lucinda Corrigan said: “This is a positive step forward for farmers and the agricultural industry who right now are struggling in the face of drought and we congratulate the agriculture ministers for their leadership on this issue.
“Australia must have a national strategy for climate change and agriculture that includes the national climate change work program’s priorities to deliver on-farm support, drive research and development, strengthen market opportunities for diversification including renewable energy and manage changing biosecurity risks.
“Farmers for Climate Action will continue to work with our thousands of farmers for the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy and to ensure that this program delivers the resources and outcomes that rural communities require to operate sustainably in a changing climate.”
Farmers for Climate Action is a movement of farmers, agricultural leaders and rural Australians working to ensure that farmers, who are on the frontlines of climate change, are a key part of its solution.
ENDS
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