Emissions reduction in the agricultural sector is a win-win for land managers. There are a number of financial opportunities for the sector that also provide environmental benefits while improving productivity and increasing resilience to a changing climate.
The global effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change is also presenting market opportunities to the agricultural sector. As economies transition towards lower emissions, opportunities may emerge for agriculture industries that can demonstrate more emissions-efficient production systems, or even carbon neutrality.
For further information on the Australian Government’s emissions reduction strategies and policies, please visit the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
In relation to emissions reduction, key activities supported by the Australian Government for the agricultural sector include:
Key programs and strategies
Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme
The Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme provides ongoing opportunities for farmers and land managers to participate in emissions reduction projects and generate additional income streams, while benefiting the environment. It is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator.
Research and Development funding
The Australian Government supports rural research and development in Australia. The Rural Research and Development Corporation Climate Initiative is playing an important role in managing climate risk and reducing emissions for the agricultural sector.
Resources
ABARES Climate research
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) is the science and economics research division of the department, and undertakes research projects on climate change to advance the agricultural sector’s resilience.
Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases
The department oversees Australia’s commitment to the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases. Australia is a founding member and our continued involvement allows us to share research on a global scale that provides important flow on benefits to Australian farmers.
Australia’s tracking and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water publishes comprehensive reports and databases tracking Australia’s emissions by sector.
Agencies
Clean Energy Finance Corporation
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation is helping cut emissions by investing in projects on behalf of the Australian Government in agriculture, cleantech innovation, energy generation and storage, infrastructure, property, transport and waste.
Australian Renewable Energy Agency
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency is supporting the global transition to net zero emissions by accelerating the pace of pre-commercial innovation. ARENA funds projects in renewable energy and low emissions technologies such as bioenergy, solar panels, electric vehicles and soil carbon.
Clean Energy Regulator
The Clean Energy Regulator is the Australian independent statutory authority responsible for administering the Australian Carbon Credit Units Scheme.
Read more
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry climate change and agriculture website is being updated. For more information, please contact climatepolicy@aff.gov.au