Supporting farmers reduce emissions
The State Government is backing Victorian farmers to reduce their on-farm emissions and adapt to a changing climate with an innovative pilot program.
Agriculture Minister MaryAnne Thomas visited Mt Lavinia Farm in Fish Creek last week to launch a three-year pilot program that will work with up to 250 farm businesses across the state to measure, manage and reduce their on farm emissions.
As part of the program, participants will receive a free emissions assessment giving them an insight into their farm’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The government also is providing $5 million worth of grants to help participating farmers develop an action plan and implement the plan.
The pilot will be delivered across nine rounds covering Victoria’s key agricultural industries including beef, dairy, grains, poultry and sheep.
Mt Lavinia Farm owners Rob and Joan Liley are one of the first participants to take part looking to maximise their conservation efforts on their beef cattle farm to further reduce their emissions.
“I am excited about the Pilot because while I believe producers are part of the climate change problem, I also believe we can be part of the solution in reducing emissions,” Rob said.
The On-Farm Action Plan Pilot is a key part of the first Agriculture Sector Pledge – with the government investing almost $20 million in emissions reduction activities over the next four years.
The pilot is a key achievement alongside Agriculture Victoria’s flagship research trials to test methane-inhibiting feed additives of dairy cows and engaging with farmers, researchers and industry leaders about the role for Victorian agriculture in a net-zero climate resilient economy.
Producers, farm advisors, and other organisations interested in learning more about the On-Farm Action Plan Pilot and broader emissions reduction program can visit this website: agriculture.vic.gov.au/climate-and-weather
Ms Thomas said farmers were clear they wanted government to play their part in cutting emissions but don’t have the information they need – “that’s why we are delivering this pilot to make sure they have the right tools and support to reduce their onfarm emissions.”
“Victoria is well positioned to be a leader in low emissions agriculture and this program will further help farmers to ensure Victorian agriculture continues to be productive and profitable under a changing climate.”
Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the government was working with farmers to reduce their greenhouse gases by becoming more sustainable - an important part of Victoria’s plan to reduce emissions by 50 per cent by 2030.”