Thursday, 28 October 2021
Gas industry must not come before agriculture, farmers say
Farmers for Climate Action is reminding the Federal Government that while agriculture’s methane emissions are falling, methane emissions from fossil fuels are rising due to an expansion of the natural gas industry.
Its comments come amid news Australia will not support the proposed 30 per cent methane reduction pledge at the Glasgow climate summit.
Farmers for Climate Action CEO Fiona Davis said: “Australia could support a 30 per cent methane reduction commitment if it were willing to support methane emission reductions in the gas industry.
“Agriculture recognises that methane reduction strategies, if adopted at scale, support productivity improvements and growth in our livestock industry. We’ve led, now it’s time for the gas industry to catch up.
“Our message to the Federal Government is don’t throw cows under the bus. The gas industry must not come before Australian farming families.
“Ultimately, strong climate policy protects farming communities by supporting increased productivity on-farm, continued access to export markets and potential price premiums. Australian canola growers have already had to prove their low-carbon credentials to maintain access to the EU market.”
Ernst and Young produced a report for Farmers for Climate that Australian agriculture can easily achieve net zero emissions by 2040 while continuing to grow.
The red meat industry has a target of carbon neutral by 2030, while the Australian Pork industry aims to be net zero by 2025.
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Farmers for Climate Action is a movement of more than 6000 farmers and agricultural leaders working to ensure that farmers, who are on the frontlines of climate change, are part of its solution.
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