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 Industry, Science, Energy and Resources website.
In relation to emissions reduction, key activities supported by the Australian Government for the agricultural sector include:
Key programs and strategies
Technology Investment Roadmap
The Technology Investment Roadmap will accelerate development and commercialisation of new and emerging low emissions technologies, including in the agricultural sector.
Emissions Reduction Fund
The Emissions Reduction Fund provides ongoing opportunities for farmers and land managers to participate in emissions reduction projects and receive financial reward. It is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator.
Agriculture Biodiversity Stewardship Package
The Agriculture Biodiversity Stewardship Package rewards farmers for their efforts in delivering biodiversity and sustainability services that benefit their farms and the broader community.
National Landcare Program
The National Landcare Program provides a range of measures to support natural resource management, sustainable agriculture and to protect Australia’s biodiversity.
National Soil Strategy
The National Soil Strategy sets out how Australia will value, manage and improve its soil for the next 20 years. It will support Australia’s commitment towards a more sustainable future and support the agricultural sector to build resilience and reduce emissions through soil carbon storage.
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.
Agriculture and Climate Webinar Series
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is working with the National Farmers’ Federation to deliver a webinar series to help build awareness of government initiatives which support climate resilience for farmers and land managers.
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 Industry, Science, Energy and Resources 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 Emissions Reduction Fund, developing the technical rules (methods) and making emissions reduction purchases on behalf of the Australian Government.
Read more
- National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy
- Climate adaptation
- Climate change science
- Our climate services and tools
- Nature-based solutions for climate
- Our environment climate change initiatives
- Our agricultural climate change initiatives
- Our oceans climate change initiatives
- Emissions reduction
- International climate adaptation
- Our publications and resources