The Agriculture Sector Pledge has been developed to work in partnership with industry over the next four years, to create a shared vision about the sector’s role in a net-zero emissions economy.
A Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Statement will be shaped by the Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council — an independent advisory council comprised of farmers, industry leaders and climate change experts with experience and connections across agricultural commodities and regional communities.
Funding will accelerate a range of projects, including $3.9 million for research into agriculture emissions reduction technologies and practices.
This includes flagship trials to reduce methane on dairy farms with feed additives like 3-NOP and seaweed, as well as collaborating on a national scale to enhance research and innovation.
A $15.4 million investment will provide information, tools and services to support adaptation and climate risk management across the agriculture sector so farmers and growers can measure and reduce on-farm emissions.
This will include updating the Victorian Land Use Information System and building an Agriculture Climate Spatial Tool to assist farmers make tailored decisions based on different climate scenarios.
Direct grants from a $5 million pool will support up to 250 farmers to assess their climate risk and emissions profile and take action to reduce emissions and adapt to the changing climate.
Victorian Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the state was well-positioned to become a leader in low emissions agriculture.
“We have shown it is possible to include this critical sector in an emissions reduction plan, without compromising its growth or profitability,” she said.
A $15.3 million Victorian Carbon Farming Program will provide incentives for landowners to sequester carbon by planting agroforestry and shelterbelt trees on their land while also increasing productivity and providing income.
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