22 September 2020
How Queensland farmers can prosper in a net-zero emissions world
Queensland primary producers looking to strengthen their businesses and communities are encouraged to apply for a new Queensland Resilient Regions Fellowship and masterclass, hosted by Farmers for Climate Action (FCA).
FCA will select 20 leaders, influencers and emerging voices in farming, pastoralism and allied industries to take part in a free, 12-month program on climate-smart production and regional development.
Fellowship facilitator Corey Watts said that with rapidly growing awareness of climate risks and widespread support for net-zero emissions by 2050, the time was ripe to help Queensland producers help their communities to get there.
“There’s a lot of work still to be done to build agriculture’s path to net zero, but there are also a lot of people willing to make it happen,” he said.
“We’re looking for 20 people who will change the game – shape opinion and policy, and help producers and their communities manage climate risks and prosper in a low-carbon world.”
Fellows will be taken through climate challenges and solutions – from planet to paddock – by some of the country’s leading scientists and expert practitioners.
“Over the coming months, fellows will work with experts in climate science, soils, climate-smart production, carbon markets, clean energy, innovation, and resilience-building,” Mr Watts said.
“Climate change is the biggest, most complex challenge and opportunity facing rural and regional Queensland.”
“We’ll support the fellows to make better decisions for themselves and their communities.”
“They’ll learn skills in climate communications, networking, advocacy, community organising, and how to support one another and they’ll be encouraged to reflect on what they learn.”
Mr Watts said fellows will be expected to actively participate in numerous discussions online and, pandemic depending, meet face-to-face for two days next year.
For successful applicants, the Queensland Resilient Regions Fellowship is free of charge.
They will, however, be strongly encouraged to make change – behind and beyond the farm gate.
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Corey Watts has worked with agriculture, research organisations, and regional communities on sustainability matters for over 20 years. Mr Watts is policy advisor to Farmers for Climate Action and an Honorary Fellow in Agriculture and Food at the The University of Melbourne.
To interview Mr Watts, contact Lara Nicholson at the Climate Media Centre on 0431 050 768 or [email protected]
