Farmers are adapting to higher fire risk by implementing successful practices and strategies on farm. But we need more support, direction and effort from governments.
"The hits to the Nationals on climate change took place up and down the eastern seaboard ... In contrast, more moderate voices on climate within the Nationals, Kevin Hogan in Page and Mr Chester in Gippsland built on already strong margins" - The Weekly Times' David Johnston
Editorial of the biggest agriculture and rural newspaper in Australia says politicians need to get on board with climate action.
#AusVotes22 #ClimateAction
Meet Alisdair Tulloch, a fifth-generation grape grower and winemaker at his family vineyard Keith Tulloch Wines, certified as carbon neutral by the Federal Government.
"I have been watching our vineyards respond to changes in the climate my entire life. The increasingly extreme temperatures and droughts threaten the future of my wine region, my family business and my home.
"We have been implementing regenerative agriculture on our farm to promote soil health and to improve resilience.
"In 2018 we also made our family farm carbon neutral, as well as all of our wine products. This means that our operation, which previously emitted 660 tons CO2-e per year now has zero net emissions. This change has involved finding efficiencies across our organisation and investing in emissions reductions such as our new solar array."
On The Australian front page, our exit polling reveals that climate was the key issue in rural seats in this election:
Exit polling conducted in the rural NSW seats of Gilmore, Page and Eden-Monaro has suggested that climate and environment policy were a key priority area for regional voters at the May 21 election.
Across all three seats, more than 40 per cent of those surveyed said climate change and the environment were in the top three issues informing their vote.
And more than 20 per cent across all three seats nominated climate and the environment as the key policy area on which they voted. Well ahead of economic management and health and hospitals.
“We need strong climate policy to drive deep emissions reductions this decade to protect the farmers who grow our food" said Farmers for Climate Action CEO Fiona Davis.
“Country people have seen the opportunity. Our 7,000 farmer members see the opportunity. We hope country politicians do too.”
(paywall) https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/election-2022-poll-reveals-climate-was-key-in-gilmore-page-edenmonaro/news-story/0fdd831385361741684bf55ea8be0878
The only consistent outcome emerging from this election is for stronger climate action - across urban and regional electorates.
#TheClimateElection
Climate has clearly been an issue for Australian voters in the country, the suburbs and the city. Australian voters seem to be backing deeper emission reductions this decade to protect the farmers who grow our food. This reflects what we're hearing from our more than 7000 farmer members across Australia. Strong climate policy can reduce the cost of living in the country and the city by cutting electricity bills and transport costs. Australian voters have sent a message and we hope all politicians listen.
No matter the result of this election, we are so proud of the incredible work of our more than 7,000 farmers around Australia to keep climate action on the agenda.
Together we have put up over one thousand farm gate signs across the country, met with MPs and candidates, attended local meetings and candidate forums, written letters to the editor, and had important conversations about climate with friends and neighbours.
Whoever wins government, we know that farmer voices calling for strong climate policy are needed. We will continue to ensure that any person in office anywhere in Australia knows we need strong climate policy to protect Australian farmers.
Any Dutch speakers out there? FCA Chair Charlie Prell was interviewed by Dutch photo-journalist Meike Wijers - the interview in Dutch (with Google Translate to English available) is here:
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/05/19/australie-lijdt-onder-droogte-maar-veel-praten-liever-niet-over-klimaatverandering-a4124971
Adaptation has its limits. We need strong climate policy to protect Australian farmers.
"Most people in our region are pretty gun-shy to say this drought is over, because it started somewhere about 2017 and we're five years in and it's been very, very dry", Farmers for Climate Action member Gus Whyte on the long-running drought in Western NSW.
Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-18/nsw-declared-100-per-cent-drought-free-/101072678
Meet Iain and Kate Field, from Leap Farm (and Tongola Cheese) overlooking Marion Bay in south-eastern Tasmania.
They run a mixed enterprise of cattle and goats for meat, as well as a goat dairy where they make cheese on-farm. All of the meat and dairy produce is sold directly to the public and the food service industry. Climate change is considered in all of their decisions ensuring a long term reduction in their carbon footprint.
"To date, we have increased pasture diversity, increased our organic soil carbon by around 1%, turning off our goat kids up to 4 months earlier at a larger size an in better condition for a premium return, and reduced our beef herd. All of this has gotten us close to a low carbon footprint if not carbon positive across the whole farming operation."
The couple has been farming there for 10 years and have implemented solar PV and solar hot water on farm, used for dairying, diary processing and general power. For the bulk of the year, despite creating more power on farm than they use, the seasonal nature of their enterprise and the Tasmanian climate, still produces a shortfall which they are working to address. "We are working to bridge the gap with some additional PV panels and a battery system to be installed soon."
Should be interesting tonight! "Join National Farmers Federation chief executive Tony Mahar, Isaac Regional Council deputy mayor Kelly Vea Vea, Clean Energy Council chief executive Kane Thornton and northern NSW beef farmer Stuart Austin in discussion with The Australian’s Jackson Hewett from 8pm AEST Tuesday May 17." (paywall)
👏 Our wonderful Farmer for Climate Action Alisdair Tulloch - a grape grower - is featured in this radio interview, alongside Steve Fordham, Kamilaroi man and mining business owner and former Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon: https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/hack/13871120
Adaptation has its limits.
We need strong climate policy to protect Australian farmers.
What will you chip in to help power our movement of farmers standing up for climate action? This week, @ethicaljobs.com.au is matching donations to FCA, dollar for dollar, up to $7,000! Donate now via the link in our profile.
Let's work together to protect the future of Australian agriculture. Farmers for climate action need your support.
Have you ordered your farm gate sign yet? Visibility of climate action as an issue is key to ensuring our pollies and our communities know we care.
Stephen on the Mornington Peninsula has just put his up - thanks for sending us this great pic!
Our farm gate signs are free, and you can order your own via the link in our bio.
"In short, there’s no reason why solar and battery technology has to be limited to cars. All the world’s land-based internal combustion engine vehicles can now be replaced by electric equivalents."
Learn more via the link in our bio
First of 900 regional renewable energy storage project jobs begin to flow in North Queensland https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/townsville/120-jobs-start-to-flow-from-777m-kidston-hydro-project-in-nq/news-story/0f35dad291744a9f0f8b017f7a22c069?btr=591bd2898e4afbea3dff7cf53da4ed8c
"Third-generation cattle farmer Glen Beasley lives close to the We Kando waste facility near Chinchilla in southern Queensland, which has approvals to hold CSG salt. He said he was worried because it was on the Condamine River catchment."
"The possibility of contamination from either overfill of the ponds or leakage into the water table, the potential there is serious," Mr Beasley said"
"This is a legacy that future generations are going to have to deal with."
Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2022-04-26/queensland-coal-seam-gas-industry-big-salt-problem/100990978
Farmers for Climate Action welcomes any proposal which boosts extension for climate-smart agriculture on the ground, because this is how farmers connect with other farmers and access information and expertise, which helps them to grasp the opportunities that climate solutions offer on farm. We look forward to welcoming further agriculture and climate policy announcements during the campaign.
Link: https://www.farmonline.com.au/story/7716443/new-wave-of-extension-officers-for-carbon-friendly-farming-haines/
Meet Stuart! 👋
Based in Gruyere in the Yarra Valley in Victoria, Stuart manages 1100 acres, mixed farming enterprise across vineyards, winery, cattle pasture and remnant bushland.
Over the last few years, things have been changing on the farm with the installation of solar on the winery/vineyard sheds before the upcoming harvest.
Other changes that Stuart and his team have focused on include improving soil health as well and management techniques so the vines are better able to cope with the large fluctuations in weather patterns. In turn, this has helped has the quality and yields! This has meant Stuart has been able to sell at a higher price per tonne of grapes or per bottle of wine.
Learn more about changes Stuart and his team are making to farm for the future at the link in bio
Great to see @davidlittleproud.mp @m_mccormackmp @DarrenChesterMP & @themichellelandry confirming @the_nationals support for net-zero emissions target. Farmers and rural Australians support a net-zero target & rapid emissions reductions this decade to protect future production of food & fibre.
We are disappointed and confused to see Coalition figures today undermining their own net-zero emissions target. A firm commitment provides certainty and clarity for farmers.
Strong climate policy would bring additional jobs to regional Australia, including an estimated 30,000 regional jobs in renewable energy at a time when export opportunities for coal are waning.
If we act quickly and provide certainty, there is the potential for real economic opportunities for farmers to use carbon and environmental markets to build productivity and resilience while being good stewards of the land.
Learn more via the link in our bio
WA Farmers: our first ever Climate-Smart agriculture Fellowship is kicking off soon, and applications close tomorrow!
We're partnering with AgZero2030 to support 20-30 WA farmers in exploring climate, carbon, energy and sustainability covering global scale challenges and opportunities, through to locally specific adaptation and mitigation.
This is a free, online program running in May-June 2022. Apply today at www.farmersforclimateaction.org.au/fellowships - link in bio
"The hits to the Nationals on climate change took place up and down the eastern seaboard ... In contrast, more moderate voices on climate within the Nationals, Kevin Hogan in Page and Mr Chester in Gippsland built on already strong margins" - The Weekly Times' David Johnston
So funny that Canavan has been banging on about how Brown and the greens caravan into coal country cost Labor the last election for 3 years. Then his last minute bombshell saying net zero is dead probably cost them moderate seats and power. He did not learn from his own critisisms
Not happy about Page electorate voting even a moderate voiced National Party member in. Considering we have been impacted by the recent floods to me its unbelievable.
Absolutely, the farce over the 2050 "non" plan lost the coalition seats.
The re-election of Hogan in page had little to do with his views on climate change. He has consistently voted with the Nats to maintain the status quo on climate change and a variety of other progressive social justice issues. I believe his media presence in relation to the recent floods gave him public recognition that the other candidates didn’t have.
People relying on the land for income and a secure future NEED to support a range of policies. The Nationals / Lnp in coalition have the runs on the board for most aspects. There needs to be more action on coping with climate. Join your local Nationals/LNP branch and have your say! Once there is sufficient support, the policies will change. Have a say in the future, be active. If teal, Labor & greens decide everything it will not be good for the bush!
... and here's me thinking 'net zero' by 2050 was the expected nationals seats in parliament ... lol
Farmers groups mention on FB that they want action on the climate but how many of them still vote for the National Party It will never happen under Joyce & Canavan ‼️
In Nicholls the Nats held on despite a 20% swing. Their candidate attended an FCA get together leading up to election and highlighted how they wanted to change the nats climate platform. Heres the thing though, in all election material climate does not get a mention by this candidate. Lets make sure we monitor what Sam Birrel stands for as the Nats debrief and maybe change leadership.
Keep up the good work.
"This little piggy played the market, this little piggy stayed home, this little piggy was pork barreling, this little piggy had none, and this little piggy cried wee wee wee all the way back home" ... 🤡🤥
When do you learn to stop voting National
The Nationals were bought out by the coal and gas corporations years ago and have been playing farmers on climate change ever since. The science says we are headed for climate çatastrophe and to minimise the harm and risks we need to take emergency action to transform industry and economy on the level of WW2. That means net zero by 2035, ending subsidies for fossil fuel corporations and banning all new fossil fuel projects. While some moderates in the nationals might be amenable to net zero by 2050, they are still not up to the task of what needs to be done to prevent climate catastrophe.
BS
Editorial of the biggest agriculture and rural newspaper in Australia says politicians need to get on board with climate action.
#AusVotes22 #climateaction
Why it is a complete beat up. I have been listening to the climate change rhetoric for fifty years now and can see absolutely zero evidence that man is having any significant impact on the climate. There are lots of serious environmental challenges for mankind to address, climate isn’t one of them. Time for sceptics to speak up.
Climate action = more control and taxes and less freedom
Farming support for communism!
Be like Littleproud and sit on your hands and do nothing. That'll fix it.
Sad there's so much ignorance...I suppose they think they could keep dumping rubbish in their yard and there'd be no problem.
That's an amazing editorial. Never thought I'd see the day. Joyce is almost as toxic as Abbott was, when it comes to doing something about the disastrous changes to weather patterns we are seeing play out everywhere.
It won't happen. As soon as the bill comes, nobody will fall for this nonsense.
Wow the stupid have found the page, everyone be nice. They cant help but be stupid and we should not make fun of them for being stupid.. Positive support is what they need...
Wow, it must be serious when the W.T. is on board.
The sky is going to fall in tomorrow
How did you VOTE mmmm LNP mm
Julie Marie Crouch
YES!
Climate change is a hoax, there is no empirical evidence of human caused warming
You wouldn’t even have a clue what climate action is. Tell me what do you believe Australia needs to do to take action???
Farmers who are getting wind turbines on their properties money for nothing ruining the beautiful country all for nothing. People think we put out 10% when we actually put out 1% cant do anything for the world temperature. Great Britain the renewable power plants have gone broke shutting down no power no jobs middle class taking their families to soup kitchen twice a week to eat This will happen here, all for nothing we cant change anything.
Rick Wilson, are you looking?
Real farmers ignore this climate garbage
Farmers need level crossing on railway lines please
Seems to me that your biggest problem is rural and regional voters who continue to support conservative resistance. Why not start a grass routes campaign to change this at local levels?
Finally!
It is not enough to just put in a token effort so politicians look like they are doing something. The climate emergency is based on physics and you can't just cheat physics. We need to take the necessary emergency action to minimise the risk and future harm from climate change. The necessary emergency action means net zero before 2035, because 2050 is too little too late. And that requires ending all subsidies and tax loop holes for fossil fuel corporations. And it requires a complete ban on all new fossil fuel projects.
Thank you Weekly Times. Wonderful to see you you are keeping up with the times.
Farmers are adapting to higher fire risk by implementing successful practices and strategies on farm. But we need more support, direction and effort from governments.
On The Australian front page, our exit polling reveals that climate was the key issue in rural seats in this election:
Exit polling conducted in the rural NSW seats of Gilmore, Page and Eden-Monaro has suggested that climate and environment policy were a key priority area for regional voters at the May 21 election.
Across all three seats, more than 40 per cent of those surveyed said climate change and the environment were in the top three issues informing their vote.
And more than 20 per cent across all three seats nominated climate and the environment as the key policy area on which they voted. Well ahead of economic management and health and hospitals.
“We need strong climate policy to drive deep emissions reductions this decade to protect the farmers who grow our food" said Farmers for Climate Action CEO Fiona Davis.
“Country people have seen the opportunity. Our 7,000 farmer members see the opportunity. We hope country politicians do too.”
(paywall) www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/election-2022-poll-reveals-climate-was-key-in-gilmore-pa...
Great to see climate change is an important issue in the regions and not just the city. There is no city country divide on this issue as some would try to have us believe.
It is time to reshape the narrative...it is not us city slickers and mouse pushers against "them". We are all in this together. We need affordable groceries while ensuring that the people putting food on our plates have a living and our environment is respected. Not interested in "Climate Change" as it means nothing to me (not denying it is happening, just don't like the outcomes of the discussion). I am annoyed (trying to be polite) to see the few left virgin forests logged and habitats destroyed. There needs to be a balance, then the climate challenges will be dealt with. Managing the land, ensuring wildlife is not defined as "pests" would be a good starting point. Some farmers posting here have an amazing story to tell and I has been so inspiring to read their postings.Coming from Europe I think a lot of people do not understand what our environment means for the rest of the world and what an incredible treasure we have. It must be understood that people working on the land must be part of this, without farmers and their support we don't stand a chance
At last Australia has an opportunity to reflect what almost everyone (in the city and country!) knows: we need to get serious about climate change, and reduce emissions across the economy. We have seen countries all over the world make the transition, strengthening their economies and increasing their resilience. Now its our turn!
It's time to give regional seats a choice at any upcoming elections, like many had in the cities with the Teals. Could I be so presumptuous to suggest the FCA are in a fabulous position to work with someone like Climate 200 to provide strong independent candidates with values against the worst of the Nationals. LET'S GIVE REGIONS A CHOICE!!!!
We farmers need action on climate, all Australia & the whole world needs action on climate. How great to see the nonsense perpetrated by the fossil fuel industry led Coalition put to rest at last by the abundantly clear message from the vast majority of voters. Australia wants & needs urgent action to prevent further damage to our climate.
FCA may be non-partisan & that's important for advocating but it's really hard as farmers to sit back when we hear so many absolute lies from our sitting member & his National party. eg Lies claiming that adding more renewables into our energy system will cause blackouts & push up the price of electricity.
But to the right of your story - The Australians true agenda “a lurch to the left would be disastrous” Tone deaf. We gottta go harder anti climate. That’s what Rupert wants it’s what Chris Dore editor of The Australian wants. Be on guard they are coming hard to use their reach to smear the government irrespective of whether it’s good for Australia - News Corp wants Australia to fail.
Gilmore and Page had a swing TO the coalition, so there’s some real questions about the credibility of this polling and or reporting
Sadly not the issue in my electorate.
Murdoch will be having a little chat to the editor.
I was really hoping the Nationals would lose a couple of seats but we are obviously not there yet.
Rupert let The Australian publish that?
The only consistent outcome emerging from this election is for stronger climate action - across urban and regional electorates.
#theclimateelection
More detail in our media release farmersforclimateaction.org.au/blog/2022/05/23/country-suburbs-and-city-unite-for-climate/
While the National Party hangs onto its rural seats the same inertia will remain, threatening the good work for change. Hoping the changes in the political landscape can eventually overcome Barnaby and his cronies.
Listen to the farmers!! They know climate! Thanks for all you do.
The funny thing is, the ones that were voted out were Climate Action Liberals... The irony!
Yes! We need climate action on our large 0.9% to 1.0% world wide carbon emission footprint. Than again how does reducing our emission to net 0 make any dent into countries whose emissions dwarf our own. Especially China whose emissions have increased week by week.
Smart farmers have always known what is good for the land. People like 'the Beetrooter' play politics the way little boys play in the sandpit. They only care about what they can get for themselves.
We all won 💚💚💚
Will get action now there is a Labor Greens Teal govt
Great result for Australia and enormous economic potential for rural and regional Australia from renewables.
The Nats, who are SUPPOSED to represent the farmers, are still in climate change denial. Those same farmers are suffering that change, more frequent, longer, more extreme weather events.
The Nationals at 8% are more of a minority party than the Greens at 12%
And integrity in politics
Are there any actual farmers that are apart of Farmers for Climate action? Reading through story to states reduced costs, can you name country that has reduced costs with renewable energy?
Why did they vote in Barnaby Joyce for goodness sake!!!
A really bad decision to drop Keneally into that seat. What were they thinking!!!!
Is there any farmers on here commenting, I come from a family who have been farmers from first settlement
Yep loses thousands of jobs and coal and mining exports so we can move down from our 0.9% carbon footprint on the world. I dont know anybody that doesn't want to do the right thing and lower carbon. But when we produce the best cleanest coal in the world that other countries buy and build more power stations so their people get cheaper power and we have to completely stop in the next 15 or so years it makes no sense. Australia is not like Europe where everything is close and you can get a push-bike or electric car. That may work if you life in the city and only go to work and back. But picture this. Long weekend pack up for the country but need to charge car at a servo. Minimum wait 15 to 20mins. To get petrol Minimum wait 3 to 5 mins. You will have 100.000 cars in line at servos across the state on one given day. Plenty of other examples. We should have both till it is proven that total clean energy can take over completely.
I can never understand why some farmers can't see that their industry is the one most likely to be decimated by climate change.
A lot of anger, hostility and division amongst these comments. We're better than this. The electoral defeat of the Coalition is a symptom of a much greater malaise. Self interest, disregard for women, blatant pork barrelling, denial of science, captain's picks, defunding public education, attacks on the ABC, political cowardice during fires and floods - enough! It's a long time since we had a government that truly acted in the best interests of all Australians. The last decade has been a total wasted opportunity. Let's all focus on what's best for Australia. As Albo said, 'It starts here, and it starts now.' Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Getting rid of Scomo is a real bonus
Yes...well that and a need for an integrity commission and respect for women!
I’ve already told my labor party voting daughter that she can pedal for power when the lights go out. Does anyone know at what point enough climate action is being taken and when we shall see positive results after that or is this a forever social experiment?
Any sheep graziers in lower rainfall zones near transmission lines could do well diversifying. Rainfall is likely to be the limiting factor to pasture productivity rather than sunlight in these situations.
I grow tomatoes. We pump CO2 into the greenhouses to increase the growth. CO2 will green the planet.
The Liberals brain storming their public reaction to climate change. Let’s go with new technology, sounds like we are doing something, it will appease the Nationals. Murdoch spreads it. Some Fox fools believe it. They forgot they had no new technology ready to go. Plenty of renewables. It’s just not their new technology. So they did nothing and wasted 9 years. The sad part for me is inaction will affect our children and grandchildren. So It becomes personal for everyone! The farmers who are changing, need everyone’s help.
"I have been watching our vineyards respond to changes in the climate my entire life. The increasingly extreme temperatures and droughts threaten the future of my wine region, my family business and my home."
Learn more about Alisdair's story here - https://farmersforclimateaction.org.au/blog/2019/11/21/alisdair-tulloch/
“Rural and regional voters understand the opportunities strong climate policy brings.”
Climate and environment policies were key priorities for voters in the regional NSW seats of Gilmore, Page and Eden-Monaro, exit polling shows.
More via @livcasben
Climate a priority in NSW regional seats
Polling shows two thirds of voters in the regional NSW seats of Gilmore, Page and Eden-Monaro rated climate change as important to their vote.
aapnews.com.au
"The hits to the Nationals on climate change took place up and down the eastern seaboard ... In contrast, more moderate voices on climate within the Nationals, Kevin Hogan in Page and Mr Chester in Gippsland built on already strong margins" - The Weekly Times' David Johnston
Editorial of the biggest agriculture and rural newspaper in Australia says politicians need to get on board with climate action.
#AusVotes22 #ClimateAction
Meet Kangaroo Island Farmers, Ian and Virginia Green 👋
"We have cleaned out the existing dams so they can withstand the dry spells better." In total, they made 12 dams smaller with increased depth to decrease evaporation rates.
Learn more: https://farmersforclimateaction.org.au/blog/2021/11/01/ian-and-virginia-green-kangaroo-island-sa/
