Climate change poses challenges for all sectors of the Australian economy but particularly for those sectors dependent on natural resources, like agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
Australia’s climate is changing and the impacts of climate change can be seen in the differences we are experiencing in rainfall, temperature and extreme weather events. Climate change will influence our actions, choices and decisions.
Adaptation and land management practices adopted by the land sector play an important role in building resilience and mitigating the physical impacts from climate change.
Climate change action also presents opportunities for the land sector. 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.
Our role
We are responsible for ensuring the interests of the agriculture sector are considered in Australian Government climate policies.
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) undertakes research projects on climate change to advance the sector’s resilience.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is responsible for the Australian Government’s emissions reduction strategies and policies.
In this section
National Statement on Climate Change and Agriculture
The National Statement on Climate Change and Agriculture demonstrates agriculture ministers’ strong commitment to work in partnership with the agriculture sector to ensure it achieves its full potential as a world-leading, climate-smart producer and exporter of food and fibre. An Australian first, the statement is a genuine collaboration between Commonwealth and state and territory governments and showcases the exceptional work already underway across industry.
Agriculture and Land Plan
The Australian government has announced its intention to work with farmers, industry, climate experts, and the community to develop an Agriculture and Land sector Plan. One of several plans covering Australia’s major economic sectors, the Agriculture and Land Plan will chart agriculture’s meaningful contribution to Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction targets and net zero 2050 goal.
Extensive consultation with industry, the community and all levels of government will ensure the sectoral plans are robust, ambitious and achievable. Further details on opportunities to engage with the plan’s development will be released in due course.
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