Millions invested to boost farmers’ income
2013-04-04 14:47:55
About $30 million will be invested in 31 new research projects looking at how farm practices can be adapted to reduce carbon emissions and earn farmers a second income stream.
A report released by the Climate Commission today reinforced the need to act on climate change, finding it was already increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, which posed significant risks to agriculture and the environment.
The projects fall under the Filling the Research Gap Program, which aims to provide data towards the Carbon Farming Initiative to reduce emissions and diversify farm income by generating and selling carbon credits.
Federal Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig said some of Australia’s best research organisations had been successful in this round.
He announced the recipients during a visit to the Queensland University of Technology, which will receive $1,816,708 for three projects.
“This year’s grants build on last year’s first round that saw $47 million awarded to 57 projects. It also progresses the excellent work conducted under the Climate Change Research Program,” Ludwig said.
The minister said the research undertaken from funding in this round would focus on six themes:
reducing emissions from livestock production systems; reducing nitrous oxide emissions; increasing soil carbon; farm system design and analysis; adaptation to climate change; and international collaboration.
“By supporting and investing in these research projects we are helping to develop new technology and land management practices and reinforce Australia’s reputation as a world leader in sustainable farming,” Ludwig said.