The report ‘Australian agriculture: reducing emissions and adapting to a changing climate’ explains the key findings from the Climate Change Research Program (CCRP). The report highlights the outcomes of the research program identifying ways in which farmers can reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions whilst increasing productivity. The report also discusses some of the challenges that farmers and fishers will face when adapting to a changing climate.
The $46.2 million Climate Change Research Program, a component of Australia’s Farming Future, ended on 30 June 2012. The program funded research projects and on farm demonstrations to help prepare Australia’s primary industries for climate change and build the resilience of our agricultural sector into the future. Research focused on reducing greenhouse emissions, improving soil management and climate change adaptation.
Between 2008–09 and 2011–12 the Australian Government invested $46.2 million to support over 50 large scale collaborative research, development and demonstration projects. These projects were delivered in partnership with research providers, industry groups, universities and state governments. Total investment under the program, including partner contributions, was over $130 million. A breakdown of the allocated government funding is below:
The Climate Change Research Program has delivered foundation research that has increased our understanding of the sources of agricultural emissions and the potential for emission reduction and carbon sequestration. This information will lead to new ways for Australian farmers and food processors to reduce the emissions intensity of their businesses while remaining profitable and sustainable.
The research also underpinned the development of the first approved methodology under the Carbon Farming Initiative and has contributed valuable data for a number of methodologies currently under consideration. This will enable farmers to generate additional on farm income through selling carbon credits into domestic and international carbon markets.
Fact sheets, case studies and DVD’s providing an overview the Climate Change Research Program and a summary of the research outcomes are available.
Filling the Research Gap, a component of the Carbon Farming Futures program, is building on research undertaken through the Climate Change Research Program. This research will continue to increase our understanding of the likely effects of projected climate change on specific industries and the benefits of mitigation and adaptation responses.