Australia’s agricultural sector has made us one of the most food secure nations in the world, however, agricultural activities are also a leading cause of native animal habitat and biodiversity decline, accounting for 17% of net greenhouse gas emissions, 74% of national water consumption and 55% of land use. Enhancing the sustainability of Australia's agricultural industry is both an environmental imperative and an economic necessity. 

This report argues that farmers' efforts to increase the sustainability of the sector are hampered by the current sustainability reporting framework, which is fragmented, complex and time-consuming. It identifies key areas for improvement and emphasises the importance of aligning with best-practice global sustainability standards to ensure the long-term viability of Australian agriculture.

Key findings

• The obstacles faced by farmers around the world in the transition to sustainable production are profound.
• Between a third and a fifth of Australian farmers are already adopting practices to safeguard the long-term viability of the
  agricultural sector.
• Industry, market, and government programs are not effectively rewarding farmers for their stewardship of the land.
• Consistent and reliable measurement systems are essential for tracking and quantifying the impacts of agricultural activities, however, current frameworks are fragmented and complex.

Recommendations

1. Set clear and ambitious intentions, including clear net zero objectives and a mandatory nature reporting timeline for the agriculture sector.
2. Build Australia’s environmental information capability by prioritising the development of standardised environmental measures and strengthening national data capability.
3. Recalibrate incentives for adopting sustainable practices, including tax concessions and drought relief assistance.
4. Boost investment to the development of sustainable farming practices through direct government funding of research and development.