Australian Government Endorses Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture

Strategic Insights -

The Australian Government has endorsed the Emirates Declaration on sustainable agriculture, cementing the country's commitment to reducing emissions and promoting climate-resilient farming practices. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Murray Watt hailed the move as a significant milestone in Australia's efforts to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. The endorsement is seen as a major boost to the country's agricultural sector, which has faced significant challenges due to droughts and extreme weather events.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Australian Government has endorsed the Emirates Declaration on sustainable agriculture, a commitment to scale up adaptation and resilience activities across the agriculture sector.
  • The declaration aims to maximize climate and environmental benefits associated with agriculture and food systems, and will deepen ties with valued trading partners across the globe.
  • The endorsement is consistent with the National Statement on Climate Change and Agriculture endorsed by all Australian agriculture ministers in July this year.
  • The Albanese Government is investing in new technology and help for farmers to adopt even more sustainable practices, and has recently begun consultation on Australia's first agriculture and land sector plan for reducing emissions.
  • Australian farmers have seen a 23% reduction in average profitability over the last 20 years, with climate change reducing farm profitability by approximately $30,000 per farm.
  • Minister Watt emphasized the importance of securing the future of Australian agriculture in the face of climate change threats and maintaining the country's trusted position in the global marketplace.

Statistics:

  • Climate change has reduced the average Australian farm's profitability by 23% over the last 20 years (ABARES modelling).
  • The reduction in profitability translates to approximately $30,000 per farm.
  • The declaration aims to scale up adaptation and resilience activities across the agriculture sector.

Sources:

  • Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt's news release
  • National Statement on Climate Change and Agriculture (July this year)
  • Universities and Department of Agriculture & Water Resources