Farming Forever – A National Plan for Climate Change and Agriculture

Developed through consultations with over 600 farmers, industry experts, and land managers, the report warns that agriculture—Australia’s most climate-vulnerable sector—has already lost 23% average farm profitability from 2001-2020 due to shifting seasonal conditions, with projected productivity declines across all subsectors threatening food security and regional communities.

Key Findings from Farmer Consultations

The report reveals striking farmer sentiment:

• 93% express willingness to adopt new practices and technologies if they deliver environmental and economic benefits, though 70% face barriers like cost, knowledge gaps, and policy uncertainty.
• Climate impacts are immediate: changing seasons, water scarcity, soil degradation, pests, and diseases dominate concerns.
• Carbon farming appeals to many, but 70% don’t understand the market, 38% lack know-how, and only 10% currently participate despite high-integrity potential.

Government programs like the Future Drought Fund show low awareness (70% unaware of effectiveness) and access (90% non-users), highlighting extension gaps.

Four-Pillar National Plan

FCA proposes a cohesive federal strategy across four priorities:

1. Emissions Reduction and Innovation
Urgent R&D commercialisation funding for commodity-specific mitigation (methane inhibitors, precision N), plus farmer-accessible technologies despite high upfront costs.

2. Resilient Landscapes
Fully fund the National Soil Action Plan; deploy NRM-based carbon extension officers; align carbon projects with regional plans; evolve ACCU methods for integrity and participation.

3. Thriving Communities
Boost Future Drought Fund awareness; support regenerative practices via tax incentives, no-interest loans, education; prioritise soil health and farmer-led resilience.

4. Secure Markets
Simplify carbon trading; create premium low-emission export pathways; enforce high-integrity standards to prevent free-riding.

The report demands federal leadership—a dedicated climate-agriculture policy framework recognising farmers as solution-makers, not just impact-victims. With agriculture producing 90% of Australia’s fresh food, inaction risks viability; coordinated action unlocks CN30 goals, resilient soils, and new income streams.