Climate change biggest threat to farming, survey

A new survey has revealed one problem is threatening farm businesses more than red tape, input costs and water security combined.

Climate change is the biggest threat to farm businesses, according to a new survey by Farmers for Climate Action.

More than half of the 708 farmers who responded to the lobby group’s survey on the federal government’s decarbonisation plans for agriculture agreed the changing climate was the most significant problem they faced.

Farm leaders have supported the federal government’s “net-zero sectoral plans”, announced in July, with the government opening consultation in November.

FCA simultaneously opened its own survey for those busy with winter harvest, with the results delivered to Agriculture Minister Murray Watt on Monday.

Farmers for Climate Action chair Brett Hall.

The survey found more than 70 per cent of farmers had already invested in emissions reduction programs, including electrifying equipment, tree planting and installing solar and batteries.

Meanwhile, almost 90 per cent of respondents said they had experienced “very unusual” or “somewhat unusual” climate change-related events on farm, including extreme weather and unpredictable growing seasons.

FCA chair Brett Hall said the results showed climate change was “hurting” farmers, but that agriculture is “leading the way” on reducing pollution.

“Farmers told us they have three clear barriers to reducing their emissions on farm,” he said.

“A lack of clear government policies or incentives, the high upfront cost and limited access to finance to invest in new technology, and challenges in measuring and validating emissions changes on farm.”

He said the sectorisation plan must “act on these challenges.”

The survey found more than 70 per cent of farmers had already invested in emissions reduction programs. Picture: Supplied

Surveyed farmers suggested the best ways to cut emissions and build carbon storage on-farm was increasing biodiversity with mixed-species pastures and agroforestry systems, soil rehabilitation, reforestation, rotational grazing and switching to renewable energy.

Besides climate change, farmers reported the biggest threats to the future of farming were red tape, water security and rising input costs.