Putting Climate Change Action On The National Agenda

Photo: The Border Mail

Minister for Agriculture Jacyln Symes welcomed the decision by State and Federal Agriculture Ministers to start a national consultation process on agriculture and climate change, initiated by the former Victorian Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford.

Victoria pushed for an additional Agriculture Ministers Forum to be held in August so that the final report can be considered and specific actions to assist farmers adapt to climate change and manage emissions can be managed.

At today’s forum in Adelaide, agriculture ministers’ received a progress report on work conducted to date and committed to a Ministerial Forum in August to coordinate policies and programs that address the risks climate change pose to the agriculture sector.

The next stage will be to identify options and approaches for coordinated support to help the agriculture sector adapt to climate change and manage emissions.

This will be informed by consultation with farmers and peak farmer lobby organisations and research and development groups in coming months across Australia and work with State and Federal agriculture departments.

The Labor Government also raised the issue of the charitable status of animal rights extremist group Aussie Farms with the Commonwealth.