UN climate warning sparks fierce backlash from Aussie farmers

Farmers have accused the United Nations of fearmongering after claims Australians might only eat fresh produce once a year without climate reform.

The country’s peak farming body has hit back at the United Nations for being “unhelpful” after its climate executive warned fruit and vegetables risked becoming a “once-a-year treat” without more ambitious action.

Simon Stiell, the UN climate change executive secretary, met with Energy Minister Chris Bowen in Parliament House on Tuesday, a day after he declared a “bog standard” target was “beneath” Australia.

“Mega-droughts (will make) fresh fruit and veg a once-a-year treat. In total, the country could face a $6.8 trillion GDP loss by 2050,” Mr Stiell warned on Monday.

“Australia has a strong economy and among the highest living standards in the world. If you want to keep them, doubling down on clean energy is an economic no-brainer … The question is: how far are you willing to go?”

National Farmers Federation President David Jochinke said the fruit and vegetable quote was “unhelpful”.

“We would expect a more measured approach from the UN,” he said.

Asked for his response, Mr Bowen said targets are “easier set than met”, and Labor would set a target “informed by the expert advice in the national interest”.

“We’re delivering on climate because it’s in our national interest. Australia is producing record renewable electricity and our energy emissions are lower than when the Albanese Government took office, with the country on track to achieve our emissions reduction goals,” he said.

Mr Jochinke said agriculture “cannot be seen purely as the relief valve for ambitious 2035 targets”.

“We need a strong and resilient ag sector to keep feeding the planet. This should not be compromised. The Paris Agreement recognises this, and Mr Stiell should too,” he said.

“Agriculture and climate action are profoundly linked, and the decisions being made now will set farmers up for success or failure for generations to come”

Climate Change authority chair Matt Kean has not yet provided his advice for the 2035 target to the government, but the body has previously said it was considering a reduction target of between 65 per cent and 75 per cent below 2005 levels. Australia’s 2030 target is 43 per cent.