Climate change impacts all aspects of our society, including agricultural, forestry and fisheries production.
Australia is already experiencing changes in rainfall, temperature and extreme weather. These changes are impacting productivity, water availability, soil and the spread of pests, weeds and disease.
The first National Climate Risk Assessment provides a comprehensive overview of nationally significant climate risks and impacts. The assessment identifies that risks to food and fibre production will continue to increase. We must adapt to limit climate impacts. The actions we take will be guided by the National Adaptation Plan.
Australia is also acting to reduce emissions and limit the worst impacts of climate change.
The agriculture sector has an important role to play in Australia’s national emissions reduction effort.
Our producers are already leading the world in low-emissions food and fibre production. Further investments in productivity and sustainability will help ensure we can maintain this position in the global transition to lower emissions.
The Agriculture and Land Sector Plan
The Australian Government released the Agriculture and Land Sector Plan in September 2025. The plan will help agriculture and land to contribute to Australia’s net-zero target. It is one of six sector plans supporting the Australian Government’s Net Zero Plan.
Government developed the plan with the help of industry, governments, researchers, communities and the private sector.
The National Statement on Climate Change and Agriculture
The National Statement on Climate Change and Agriculture is a joint initiative of Commonwealth and state and territory governments. It outlines a shared vision for a climate-smart agriculture sector. The statement showcases the work already underway across industry to use climate-smart practices.
Our role
We are responsible for ensuring the interests of the agriculture, fisheries and forestry are considered in Australian Government climate policies.
We deliver a range of programs to support the agriculture and land sectors to reduce their emissions while achieving other strategic objectives. This includes $60.8 million to:
- improve greenhouse gas accounting
- accelerate on-ground action
- contribute to research on emissions reduction solutions.
The Australian Government matches industry levy funding to Research and Development Corporations (RDCs). This funding supports RDCs to undertake research, development and extension in agricultural emissions reduction.
We are developing a National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy to support opportunities for agriculture and forestry producers to grow feedstocks for domestic bioenergy industries. Bioenergy will help to decarbonise hard-to-electrify energy demands.
We are also supporting the agriculture sector to adapt to climate change and build resilience.
The Australian Government will provide a further $1 billion for loans from the Regional Investment Corporation. This brings total support for the agriculture sector through RIC loans to over $5 billion. The additional funding will help to boost climate resilience, productivity and support agriculture to be part of the net zero transition.
We engage in international forums related to climate change and agriculture, fisheries and forestry. This includes the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences undertakes research projects on the impacts of climate change and related policy for agriculture.
Other agencies
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
DCCEEW is responsible for whole of economy emissions reduction strategies and policies.
This includes Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme policy. The ACCU Scheme provides opportunities for farmers and land managers to participate in emissions reduction projects and generate additional income streams.
DCCEEW also publishes reports and databases tracking Australia’s emissions by sector.
Clean Energy Regulator
The Clean Energy Regulator administers the ACCU Scheme.
Clean Energy Finance Corporation
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) invests in climate projects for the Australian Government. CEFC investments cover a broad area, including agriculture, cleantech innovation and energy generation and storage.
Australian Renewable Energy Agency
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency support innovation in renewable energy and low emissions technologies. Investments include bioenergy, solar, electric vehicle and soil carbon projects.
National Reconstruction Fund Corporation
The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation is investing $15 billion for the Australian Government, to diversify and transform Australia’s industry and economy. Agriculture, fisheries and forestry are priority areas for investment.
Regional Investment Corporation
Concessional loans are available through the Regional Investment Corporation to prepare for, manage through and recover from financial disruption due to drought, natural disasters, and cumulative events.