Incorporating climate change considerations into the agriculture sector in Australia

Incorporating climate change considerations into the agriculture sector in AustraliaSimon Smalley (Minister Counsellor – Agriculture)Embassy of Australia, Washington DCClimate change in Federal EIA process• No climate change trigger for Federal environmental impact assessment• Legislation review- Suggests greenhouse emission triggerClimate change & Australia agricultureAustralian agricultural output due to unmitigated climate changerelative to the reference case (no adaptation or mitigation) ABARE 2009-20-15-10-5wheat beef sheep meat dairy sugar%20302050Australian agriculture – Drought policy reformMoving from crisis management to risk management• Farm Planning• Building farm businesses – adaptation• Farm family (income support) – asset & income means tested• Community social support• Structural adjustment supportAgriculture - Climate Change Research• Soil Carbon Research Program - $9.6 million • Reducing Emissions from Livestock Research Program - $11.3 million • Nitrous Oxide Research Program - $4.7 million• Adaptation Research Program - $11.5 millionOver $130 million invested in 50 projects across the country$46.2 m for development & demonstration projects. Australia’s water policy reformsWater for the Future• Taking action on climate change• Securing water supplies • Using water wisely • Supporting healthy rivers Key Points• Australian agriculture is vulnerable to climate change• Taking action through policy reform Incorporating climate change considerations into the agriculture sector in Australia Climate change in Federal EIA process Climate change & Australia agriculture Australian agricultural output due to unmitigated climate change relative to the reference case (no adaptation or mitigation) ABARE 2009 Australian agriculture – Drought policy reform Agriculture - Climate Change Research Australia’s water policy reforms Key Points