Queensland’s agriculture sector will play a significant role in achieving the State’s 2050 net zero emissions target, with the Queensland Government launching its Low Emissions Agriculture Roadmap 2022-2023.
According to the State Government, the Low Emissions Agriculture Roadmap lays out a clear path for the State to reach even cleaner and greener food and fibre production while being a global agricultural leader.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner stated that the Low Emissions Agriculture Roadmap would assist Queensland agribusinesses in thriving while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Minister Furner added that the Roadmap would also provide producers clarity on how they can actively prepare for and implement practice change to manage business risks.
“Those who implement plans to lower greenhouse gas emissions now will have fewer transition costs and disruption to their business than those who delay and find themselves urgently responding to market forces,” Minister Furner said.
According to the Minister, the Roadmap was developed following a consultation process between the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and key industry partners to provide a structured, smooth transition while minimising dramatic changes.
The Roadmap results from a co-design process with industry, with key themes and activities outlined in a CSIRO report commissioned by the Palaszczuk Government.
The Palaszczuk Government has collaborated with industrial partners to create the greatest circumstances for a sustainable future across five priority pathways:
- Livestock emissions
- Cropping and horticulture emissions
- On-farm energy opportunities
- Carbon farming and landscape management
- Regions and supply chains
“The Low Emissions Agriculture Roadmap will help producers by providing key areas to prioritise their focus including natural asset management, business profitability and risk management,” AgForce CEO Mike Guerin said.
Guerin stated that Queensland’s producers must embrace new methods and technologies to ensure the industry’s long-term viability.
“As proud and responsible contributors to the state’s economy, we recognise the importance of supporting the roadmap and doing what we can to lower emissions to promote long-term sustainability,” Guerin added.
Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO Jo Sheppard stated that the Roadmap would help farmers understand some of the alternatives as they embark on their own low-emission path.
“As Queensland agriculture strives to respond in meaningful and sustainable ways to continuing global demand for a transition to low emissions production, the roadmap will help coordinate some of the messaging in what is becoming an increasingly crowded marketplace,” Sheppard said.
Sheppard highlighted the need to ensure that farmers are supported in achieving environmental goals while producing the world’s best food, fibre, and foliage.
“It is so important that Government works closely with industry to ensure the future economy of agriculture to safeguard the future of all Queenslanders to achieve our ultimate goals of a viable, sustainable agriculture sector, sound environmental outcomes and stronger regional communities,” Sheppard added.
