FARMERS are well placed to benefit from global market changes as countries and businesses act on and adapt to climate change, the ABARES Insights paper shows.
Analysis of global responses to climate change: opportunities for Australian agricultural producers, outlines how the sector could prosper provided key technologies are realised, and trade rules are evidence-based.
“Our farmers are well-placed to compete in this changing trade environment,” ABARES head of agricultural forecasting and trade Dr Jared Greenville said.
“Some of Australia’s trading partners, like the European Union, are now exploring options to develop trade rules to deal with the emissions intensity of imported products.
“So while competitive pressure will grow, it’s important to acknowledge that our meat and cropping sectors are relatively less emissions-intensive than some other major exporters.”
Dr Greenville said these sectors were constantly innovating.
“For example, products are now being tested to reduce methane emissions from livestock, the largest source of Australia’s agricultural emissions,” he said.
“Reducing emissions also tends to increase productivity in agriculture, which will be critical in counter-balancing the impacts of climate change.
“If done right, technology and trade rules have the potential to support industry’s goals of higher returns and environmental sustainability.”
“However, we must ensure that trade rules developed overseas are evidence-based and recognise production systems used in Australia.”
The Insights paper can be read here.
