The Andrews Labor Government is providing a clear path forward for farmers to prepare for and respond to climate change, backed by investments of almost $20 million to reduce emissions.

The Agriculture Sector Pledge has been developed by the Labor Government to work in partnership with industry over the next four years, to create a shared vision about the sector’s role in a net-zero emissions economy.

A Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Statement will be shaped by the Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council (VACCC) – an independent advisory council comprised of farmers, industry leaders and climate change experts with experience and connections across agricultural commodities and regional communities.

Funding will accelerate a range of projects, including $3.9 million for research into agriculture emissions reduction technologies and practices. This includes flagship trials to reduce methane on dairy cow farms with feed additives like 3-NOP and seaweed, as well as collaborating on a national scale to enhance research and innovation.

A $15.4 million investment will provide information, tools and services to support adaptation and climate risk management across the agriculture sector so farmers and growers can measure and reduce on-farm emissions.

This will include updating the Victorian Land Use Information System and building an Agriculture Climate Spatial Tool to assist farmers make tailored decisions based on different climate scenarios.

Direct grants from a $5 million pool will support up to 250 farmers to assess their climate risk and emissions profile and take action to reduce emissions and adapt to the changing climate.

Separately, the Government is supporting farmers through the $15.3 million Victorian Carbon Farming Program, which will provide incentives for landowners to sequester carbon by planting agroforestry and shelterbelt trees on their land while also increasing productivity and providing income.

All of this builds on the successful Agriculture Energy Investment Plan, which has provided around 800 free on-farm energy assessments and awarded more than 450 grants to farmers. A further $30 million investment in the program is being rolled out now, providing yet another avenue for private landholders to reduce emissions.

The investment aligns with the Victorian Agriculture Strategy, which works to protecting and enhancing the future of the sector by ensuring it is well placed to respond to climate change.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas

“Victoria is well-positioned to be a leader in low emissions agriculture and we have shown it is possible to include this critical sector in an emissions reduction plan, without compromising its growth or profitability.”

“Our Agriculture Sector Pledge accelerates the actions needed to achieve our long-term vision for the sector’s role in a net-zero emissions economy. We will work with industry to shape and implement this important work.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Our action on climate change puts Victoria shoulder to shoulder with the world’s major economies and leaders. This will reduce emissions and create jobs across the economy – from agriculture to transport to energy.”

Quote attributable to Chair of the Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council Alexandra Gartmann

“The Agriculture Sector Pledge unlocks opportunities for cross-sector coordination and tangible on-farm action.”