The Australian Department of Climate Change suggests all Australians should be planning now to adapt to climate change. The department suggests we should:

• Plan early – start now
• Be systematic and strategic
• Adopt a risk management approach
• Use the best, up-to-date information
• Be flexible.

Agricultural industries are responsible for about 16 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and are the biggest producers of the nation’s methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Like other major players, primary industries are taking a proactive approach to finding ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Primary producer industries, in partnership with government bodies, are involved in varied research projects aimed at achieving their goal of emission reduction. There will be benefits for the environment and farm productivity if this can be accomplished and this site aims to help you achieve both.

Australia’s main source of methane emissions is livestock. Ineffective use of nitrogen on agricultural land is responsible for much of the nitrous oxide release. About 97 per cent of livestock greenhouse gas emissions are created by enteric fermentation, when methane is produced in the rumen of stock. The emissions can result in less potential resources being available for use in animal or plant production. Although less in volume, both methane and nitrous oxide are highly potent greenhouse gases.
Nitrous oxide, largely associated with fertilizer inputs to crops and soil systems, has one of the higher potencies of all greenhouse gases.

These pages detail the types of emissions made by a selection of key primary industries in south-west Victoria. They also detail how you as primary producers can help reduce emissions by making adjustments to your business management environment.

Click onto the menu on this page to find out more. 

The end result will be better for you, your business and our environment.