A current Australian report has sounded an ominous warning on the escalating threats to Australia’s food production as a result of climate change. Our assessment finds that today, our primary industries and our food system is at moderate to high risk. Under projections for development and population growth, this risk is expected to reach high or even very high levels by 2050. This alarming discovery brings to light the immediate need for adaptation efforts and strong, equitable policy measures to counteract these impacts.
Jo Sheppard … is a national expert in agricultural risk management. She concluded with the important note that the report should serve as a guide for developing future risk management plans. These critical findings indicate an urgent and tremendous need for stakeholders in the agriculture sector to come together. Together, they need to develop smart solutions to address the urgent and future challenges exacerbated by climate change.
Queensland at the Epicenter of Climate Risks
The report identifies Queensland as one of the most vulnerable regions in Australia, home to 18 of the 20 areas most exposed to climate impacts. Shane McCarthy, the president of Queensland’s farm lobby AgForce Queensland, pointedly added that farmers were not “climate change’s innocent bystanders.” Rather, they are agile, hardworking, and quick to roll up their sleeves to help be part of the solution.
“In order to be able to produce food and fibre to the standard that we already produce it, as some of the best in the world, we need the ability to adapt and adapt quickly,” – Shane McCarthy
Farmers for Climate Action, which represents nearly 8,500 farmers and boasts an additional 80,000 community supporters nationwide, echoed similar sentiments. The group pointed out that no agricultural community is immune from the dire impacts of climate change. Yet as the report illustrates, there’s no escaping some very troubling trends.
Natalie Collard, chief executive of Farmers for Climate Action, highlighted the need for government actions to match these concerns with supportive policies for agriculture. She underscored the importance of mighty support to the agricultural sector because it must wrestle with changing realities of climate change. Without this support, it risks being ill-prepared to pivot.
“It’s almost impossible to read this report and separate the agriculture sector from the community impacts because they’re so closely connected,” – Natalie Collard
Government Investment and Future Planning
The federal government is making a big show of its commitment to combat climate change. They recently proclaimed a $1.1 billion investment to ramp up low-carbon liquid fuel production in Australia. Dan Galligan, the CEO of Canegrowers, was particularly excited about this investment. He challenged state and federal governments to make the biofuel industry a reality.
“We want to see them [governments] do something on policy and investment around low-carbon liquid fuels and sustainable aviation fuels — things that would actually help us decarbonise the economy,” – Dan Galligan
Additionally, McCarthy highlighted the importance of working directly with farmers to make sure the best adaptation strategies can be put into place. He called on all levels of government to start talking to industry leaders at the outset of discussions about climate adaptation plans.
“Every producer I know, they intimately know their land — my advice to government is talk to industry, involve them in the conversation early because these guys know their land better than anybody else,” – Shane McCarthy
The National Climate Risk Assessment forecasts accelerating warming in Northern Australia, underscoring the urgency for action. The authors would like to thank Patricia Collard of Ceres for her assistance in putting this piece together.
The Path Forward for Agriculture
Agriculture Commissioner Brett Hosking, the leader of Arkansas’ most influential farming body, underscored that vital requirement. He urged more assistance for farmers who are struggling with climate-driven impacts. He was an unabashed believer in the productivity of Australian agriculture and its ability to pull its own weight and help drive regional economies.
“[I’m] a great believer in our agricultural productivity,” – Brett Hosking
He pointed out that empowering farmers through supportive policies would not only help them adapt but would foster regional economic growth.
“[That] would also build regional economies and support the industry.” – Brett Hosking
Farmers are already making significant changes to their practices to meet the challenges of a changing climate. They are calling on these governments to ensure this adaptability is underwritten with robust infrastructure and long-term investments, and specially adapted sectoral plans for agriculture.
