Adapting farming to climate change - New Inquiry
The House of Representatives Primary Industries and Resources Committee has commenced a new inquiry into the role of government in assisting Australian farmers to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The Committee believes that the time is right to investigate how farmers can better adapt to the challenges of changing climate. The focus of the inquiry will be on innovation and adaptation at the enterprise level, on the ground, and the role of government and research organisations in supporting this.
The Chair of the Committee, Dick Adams, said it is important for government to identify the changes that are needed for our agriculture industries to adapt to climate change. These changes are already occurring on the farm as Australia ´s farmers seek new and innovative methods to adapt their farming techniques to changing circumstances.
"We need to ensure that adaptation to climate change is not just occurring in isolated pockets," Mr Adams said.
"We need to ensure that innovation is being identified and supported, that new ideas are widely accessible, and that the implications of changes to farming methods for the supply chain and downstream processes are also considered. We must get this right if we are to maintain an internationally competitive Australian agricultural sector."
The Committee will inquire into and report upon:
- Current and prospective adaptations to the impacts of climate change on agriculture and the potential impacts on downstream processing.
- The role of government in: (a) augmenting the shift towards farming practices which promote resilience in the farm sector in the face of climate change; AND (b) promoting research, extension and training which assists the farm sector to better adapt to climate change.
- The role of rural research and development in assisting farmers to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Submissions are due by Friday, 20 March 2009, although the Committee would appreciate that submissions be sent as early as possible.
The Committee would prefer submissions to be sent electronically to pir.reps@aph.gov.au
Submitters are encouraged to read the information on preparing a submission available on the committee website before lodging their submission.
Further information: contact the Inquiry Secretary (02) 6277 4500, email pir.reps@aph.gov.au or visit the Committee´s webpage.