The role of farmers in climate change was barely mentioned when the Agriculture Minister and his opposite number debated a few weeks ago.
Agriculture contributes almost 15 per cent of Australia’s emissions (mostly from livestock), the fourth most by sector behind electricity, stationary energy and transport.
And the National Farmers Federation on Monday slammed both Labor and the Coalition for being “MIA” on a “plan for agriculture and climate change”.
Meanwhile, Grain Producers Australia has been calling for more federal government investment to support local manufacturing of key farm inputs, including green fertilisers to help reduce emissions.
Since the government called the May 21 election, Minister David Littleproud’s main agriculture commitment has been a $75 million scheme to support farmers into first-time ownership whereby the government would guarantee 40 per cent of a loan up to $1 million.
If you missed the debate, you can watch it on YouTube here.