Queensland farmers are being urged to start acting on emissions reductions and avoid costs and disruptions in the future as the state releases its low-emissions agriculture roadmap.
Five key areas are outlined in the plan released on Tuesday: livestock emissions; cropping and horticulture emissions; energy opportunities; carbon farming and landscape management; and regional supply chains.
It will include industry-led research into methane-reduction stock feeds for livestock and the development of green fertiliser options.
Farmers will also be encouraged to be aware of alternative fuels and electricity infrastructure that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The industry will play an essential role if the state is to reach its net zero commitment by 2050, Agriculture Minister Mark Furner says.
“Those who implement plans to lower greenhouse gas emissions now will have fewer transition costs and disruption to their business than those who delay and find themselves urgently responding to market forces,” he said.
“The aim is to provide a structured, smooth transition while minimising dramatic changes.”
Different industries in the agriculture sector are at various stages of developing and implementing emissions reduction targets.
“There are winners all around not only for reductions in savings of what you can do by transitioning out of fossil fuel into solar power ... also looking at increases in productivity, but also savings in dollars well spent,” Mr Furner said.
“The decision to act now is the right time; to delay it will only cost more - we’re encouraging people to consider the road map, to look at the future ahead of them.”
Queensland’s agriculture industry is ready to embrace new practices and technologies to ensure the long-term sustainability of their sector, says AgForce chief executive Mike Guerin.
“As proud and responsible contributors to the state’s economy, we recognise the importance of supporting the road map and doing what we can to lower emissions to promote long-term sustainability,” Guerin said.
Queensland Farmers Federation chief executive Jo Sheppard said the industry strove to respond to global demand for a transition to low-emissions production.
“The road map will help coordinate some of the messaging in what is becoming an increasingly crowded marketplace,” she said.
“A strong agriculture sector is important to us all, and we need to make sure that farmers are supported to achieve environmental outcomes while still being able to do what they do best in producing the world’s best food, fibre and foliage.”
The road map will be reviewed in 2028 to ensure it remains current and relevant.
