Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Statement

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Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Statement (PDF - 392.9 KB)

Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Statement (WORD - 202.7 KB)

Why we need a Statement

Victorian farmers and the broader agriculture sector are already taking climate action, setting targets and commitments, and designing programs across commodities and regions. There is an opportunity to bring the agriculture sector’s ambition together, to form a shared vision for agriculture’s role in a climate-resilient, net-zero emissions economy. This will create clarity for the sector, reduce barriers and enable action.

The Statement demonstrates that farmers, the supply chain, and the Victorian Government are committed to collaborating to:

• position Victorian agriculture as leaders in low-emission agriculture.
• ensure farmers are well-placed to manage climate risk, and
• continue to be productive and profitable under a changing climate.

The Statement is part of the Victorian Government’s first Agriculture Sector Emissions Reduction Pledge, which aims to accelerate research action and strengthen the industry’s capacity to reduce emissions to 2030 and beyond.

Partners

The Statement is a shared vision, shaped by many people and organisations across the agriculture sector, the Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council (VACCC), and the Victorian Government.

We appreciate the time and commitment that organisations have spent to develop this Statement and ensure that it reflects the shared ambition of the sector.

Partner statements of support

BCG

BCG improves the prosperity of Australian farmers, communities and landscapes through applied research and innovation. Sharing science‑based solutions and ideas integral to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate risk, will continue to be a part of BCG activities.  – BCG

Food and Fibre Great South Coast Inc.

As representatives of the top agricultural production region in Australia, Food and Fibre Great South Coast Inc. is serious about promoting long‑term, meaningful and coordinated climate action.

Through Food and Fibre Great South Coast’s Drive Regional Value‑Add, Investment and Sustainability committee, our aim is to build consensus around the important issues we face right now, like a fair transition to sustainable energy consumption and production as well as modernising agricultural water use policies in Victoria. For example, at our Sustainable Energy Forum in July, we brought the food and fibre sector together to hear about plans for net‑zero livestock industries and forestry production, innovative decarbonisation technologies like hydrogen fuel cells and share some of the ways we are playing our role to accelerate uptake.

Our sector relies on producing quality food and fibre through practices that preserve the sustainability and natural resources of our region. Nurturing the environment is in our DNA.

Australian agriculture, particularly farming, is a leader in sustainability innovation and emissions reduction. We are proud of our collaborative approach to problem solving and remain determined to face the challenges of climate change together. – Georgina Gubbins, Chair, Food and Fibre Great South Coast Inc.

Goulburn-Murray Water

As a major provider of irrigation services, Goulburn‑Murray Water recognises the challenges climate change poses to water availability and agriculture. We have taken significant strides to improving water efficiency and our Water Resources Strategy is tackling the risks and opportunities created by a changing and uncertain climate.

The Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Statement complements our objectives as we work with customers and partners to create a sustainable and resilient irrigated agriculture sector. – Charmaine Quick, Managing Director, Goulburn-Murray Water

Meat and Livestock Australia

The Red Meat Industry have invested in the order of $200 million in development of technologies and practices in pursuit of our carbon neutral by 2030 (CN30) target. We believe that achieving CN30 through widespread adoption of productivity‑led, net emissions reduction, will enable the red meat industry to double the value of red meat sales as the trusted source of the highest quality protein by 2030. Our success requires collaboration and coordination across industry and government, and Ag Vic’s commitment adds momentum to activities already underway. – Meat and Livestock Australia

Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria

Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) and our members are committed to achieving net zero emissions and improving our climate resilience.

Victoria’s horticulture industry will continue to play a key role in tackling what is one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. We already produce over one third of Australia’s Greenlife; reducing emissions, storing carbon, and cooling our communities, to help mitigate the impacts of a changing climate.

Operationally, our member businesses embed a range of sustainable practices and innovations to lessen their impact on our environment. These include, utilising renewable energy, water saving strategies, improvements to soil health, circular economy practices, plant biodiversity and integrated pest management methods.

NGIV are committed to leading our industry to further improve their sustainable operating practices, whilst continuing to supply the Greenlife which is key to achieving net zero emissions and improving our climate resilience. – Simon Gomme, President, Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria

RMCG

RMCG is committed to climate action to ensure a healthy future for the environment, industry and communities.– RMCG

Southern Farming Systems

Southern Farming Systems (SFS) support the Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Statement in alignment with the SFS2025 strategic goal to Deliver research to lead the industry towards more profitable and environmentally responsible farming. SFS encourage investment in partnerships for research, tools and services to support a sustainable agriculture sector. – Southern Farming Systems

Victorian Farmers Federation

The Victorian Farmers Federation endorses the Agriculture and Climate Change Statement and looks forward to partnering with the Victorian Government and across industry to help farmers respond to climate effects. Our collective mission must be to ensure Victorian farmers are acknowledged, valued and respected for the work they have already done, and continue to do, in reducing their on‑farm emissions. – Victorian Farmers Federation