Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned that if further action is not taken to address climate change, Australia’s crop yields could be four percent lower by 2063. This could result in approximately $1.8 billion in crop losses. Chalmers made these comments at the National Drought Forum, emphasizing the urgent need for action to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture.
The Forum, hosted by the federal Department of Agriculture in partnership with the National Farmer’s Federation, focuses on reducing the impact of El Niño weather patterns, which could lead to drier conditions in the coming years. Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt noted that the recent El Niño declaration confirms the likelihood of drought in the near future. He stressed the importance of preparation and information sharing to minimize the impact on communities.
Watt further stated that the Labor government is committed to finding practical solutions to help farmers and rural communities cope with drought. The Drought Forum, held every two years, brings together various stakeholders to provide support and assistance to farmers in dealing with drought and bushfires. The event includes site tours to farms and stations and involves around 180 representatives from the government, farming bodies, banks, charities, and conservation groups.
National Farmers’ Federation Chief Executive Tony Mahar highlighted the significance of managing drought effectively. He acknowledged that drought is an ongoing concern for farmers and emphasized the need for equipping them with the best tools to cope with increasingly severe and frequent droughts. Mahar praised the Drought Forum for its role in building partnerships, generating innovative ideas, and driving policies that support farmers in sustaining food and fiber production despite challenging conditions.
Mahar also stressed the importance of collaboration with the community, industry, and technology sectors. He emphasized that drought preparedness, management, and recovery should be a joint effort between industry and the community, with farmers playing a central role. He emphasized the value of investing in technology, forecasting, and contemporary risk management strategies to effectively address the challenges posed by drought.
Overall, the content highlights the warnings from Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the focus of the National Drought Forum on tackling the potential impact of climate change on crop yields. It also emphasizes the commitment of the Labor government and various stakeholders to finding practical solutions and fostering partnerships to support farmers and rural communities in drought management.