October 24, 2022
AgForce is seeking to be included in discussions around Australia’s commitment to the Global Methane Pledge.
CEO Michael Guerin urged the Federal Government to involve agriculture from the start as it made plans to cut methane emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.
“In the spirit of open and honest conversation, agriculture needs to be a part of any discussions from the get-go,” Mr Guerin said.
“We have already had several assurances that signing the pledge will not negatively impact farmers.
“These include: no new taxes or regulation on livestock methane; recognition of agriculture’s existing plans and progress; and ongoing support to develop technology-led solutions.
“Now that a formal commitment has been made, it’s important these assurances are upheld.
“We do not want to see farmers protesting in the streets because they were not adequately consulted prior to the creation of regulations that challenge their very existence.”
AgForce says Australia’s farm sector has already reduced its emissions by 53 per cent on 2005 levels, and the red meat sector was planning to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Mr Guerin said AgForce had been calling for recognition for farmers’ efforts on climate for more than a decade.
“The unwillingness by many to recognise the work agriculture in Queensland and Australia has already done to reduce its carbon footprint, in fact to largely reduce the country’s carbon footprint, is disappointing,” he said.
