Australian farmers play a crucial role at the forefront of achieving positive environmental outcomes for the broader community. An optimal prevalence of on-farm best practice is a critical component of efforts to address climate change. This not only advantages the environment but also enhances the agricultural sector's long-term resilience and productivity.
Innovation must play a crucial role in helping grain growers reduce emissions and sequester carbon by developing, optimising, and introducing innovative technologies, practices, and approaches for the short, medium, and long term.
It is vital that Government and regulatory bodies can implement policies and regulations that incentivise growers and corporations to adopt low-carbon practices and technologies.
When examining the role of Australian grain growers in successfully minimising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration, three salient determinants emerge: practice improvement, technological advancement, and supportive policies to transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon economy.
On-Farm Barriers and Potential Solutions
GrainGrowers' response identifies the following barriers:
- The Awareness Continuum
- Gaps in Information and Knowledge
- Carbon and Calculation Confusion
- Economic Constraints
GrainGrowers' response also explores potential solutions :
- Raising Awareness
- Collaborative Learning Networks
- Demonstration Projects
- Adoption and Pilots
- Technical Assistance in the Region
- Standardisation of Carbon Measurement
- Endorsement of a Carbon Measurement Tool for Growers
- Clarification of the Carbon Trading Market for Growers
- Grow and Harness NRM Australia
- Financial Incentives
- Risk Management Tools
To harness the potential of Australian grain growers to contribute to carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation, GrainGrowers urge a comprehensive approach that:
- enhances and deploys extension and adoption services that meet growers’ needs.
- elevates grower expertise in the complex carbon arena and supplies tools for evaluating risks.
- fosters an environment that nurtures eco-innovation, attracts talent, and positions Australia as a global leader in agricultural technological advancements and creative problem-solving.
- focuses on commercialising technology for local advantage and profit generation offshore.
- capitalises on opportunities to integrate into high-value global supply chains.
- actively aligns policy settings to support reciprocity and achieve a steady state.