Sowing The Seeds For Net Zero

Agriculture’s Role in Australia’s Emissions Transition

Australia’s path to net zero by 2050 has taken a major step forward with the release of the Federal Government’s Net Zero Plan, a national roadmap designed to ensure a fair, orderly and efficient transition. Central to this strategy is the Agriculture and Land Sector Plan, which highlights how farming and land management will contribute to reducing emissions while supporting regional communities.

Agriculture has long been a cornerstone of Australia’s economy, and the sector plan positions producers to remain global leaders in low-emissions food and fibre production. The framework is built on three strategic objectives: keeping Australian producers at the forefront of sustainable farming, balancing agricultural output with carbon storage and nature repair, and ensuring that the transition delivers tangible benefits for regional communities, including First Nations peoples.

To guide investment and action, four foundational priorities have been identified: improving understanding of emissions at both business and national levels, fostering innovation to deliver commercially viable abatement options, strengthening on-ground action, and enhancing the role of land in a net zero economy.

The government has already committed significant funding to these priorities, including $87 million to establish the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre, $27.8 million for the Carbon Farming Outreach Program, and $28.7 million to improve greenhouse gas accounting. An additional $1 billion boost to the Regional Investment Corporation will support producers to build climate resilience and boost productivity while contributing to the net zero goal.

Through strong partnerships, innovation, and on-farm action, agriculture will play a pivotal role in ensuring Australia’s net zero future - delivering not only environmental outcomes but also economic opportunities for communities across the nation.