Greens back farmers

Wednesday, 6 Dec 2006
Australian farmers call for action on climate change

Senator Rachel Siewert today congratulated the NFF Policy Council on their decision to back the call to action of the Australian Business Roundtable on Climate Change.

In addition to recommending putting a price on carbon the Business Roundtable has highlighted the need to build resilience to the impacts of climate change.

"The Farmer's Federation have clearly stated that climate change is the greatest threat confronting Australian farmers," said Senator Siewert.

"It is time for the Government to stop dragging their feet and act on climate risk."

"Our farmers are keen to do their bit, but they're hampered by a lack of information about the likely impacts of climate change to their farms and their regions," she said.

"We need to be putting many more resources into improved forecasting, matched with targeted research and development into adaptation strategies that aim to address the biggest gaps and areas of greatest need."

"We need to provide the best information and decision-support tools to our farmers to help them manage climate risk, and we need to provide incentives to change to more resilient and sustainable systems in those areas hardest hit," said Senator Siewert.

Senator Siewert renewed her call for a national strategy for agricultural adaptation to climate change, after the government blocked a motion to establish one by Greens Senators Siewert and Milne in the Senate in November.