As stewards of most of Australia’s land, farmers play a unique role in the national transition to a low-carbon economy. At the same time, they are the business people most affected by climate change and our potential failure to decrease emissions rapidly.

While the sector will likely continue to produce greenhouse gas emissions in providing high-quality food, fibre and materials to the world, efficient production and effective use of land will allow the sector to act as a key pillar of Australia’s decarbonisation pathway. Indeed, it can generate significant additional income through generating valuable carbon credits by storing carbon in soils, vegetation and harnessing traditional burning techniques.

This report outlines a number of technologies, practices and actions that easily reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Taken together, they suggest the Australian agriculture sector could play a significant role in pioneering global climate solutions, and take advantage of future opportunities to increase value and diversify on-farm revenue streams.

The actions outlined in this report build on recent momentum in reducing emissions in the sector while remaining resilient through extreme weather events, fire and droughts. The costs of their development and implementation can be met by sector innovation, peak bodies’ support and the establishment of markets and revenue streams for Australia’s farmers to meet the demand for climate action across the supply chain.