The State’s agriculture sector is encouraged to have its say on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration across the Western Australian landscape.
The ‘Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Options for Western Australian Agriculture’ consultation paper and survey are now available.
The State Government is committed to working with all sectors of the WA economy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) developed the consultation paper, informed by experts from industry, research organisations, producers and regional development corporations.
DPIRD Deputy Director General Cec McConnell said the consultation was part of a broader set of work with industry and stakeholder groups to develop emissions reduction strategies and practical solutions for the WA agriculture sector.
“Feedback from this consultation, along with the use of predictive modelling and input from experts in the field, will help develop a decarbonisation pathway for the agriculture sector,” Ms McConnell said.
“I encourage those in the agricultural industry to read the consultation paper and have their say through our online survey.”
This agriculture sector consultation is part of the development of the State Government’s Sectoral Emissions Reduction Strategies (SERS). The agriculture component of the SERS will complement other industry and government strategies to support the transition to net zero emissions by 2050.
“Areas of focus in the consultation paper include reducing methane emissions from the livestock, wool and dairy sectors through pasture and grazing management, along with improved genetics,” Ms McConnell said.
“Opportunities for the pork, poultry, egg and horticulture sectors have been identified through waste management, use of renewable energy and modified feeding systems.
“For grains, potential actions include more efficient use of fertilisers and crop rotations, along with the development of low or no-emissions fertiliser, management of crop residue and reduced fossil fuel use, including use of renewable diesel.
“On-farm carbon opportunities are also addressed, with potential actions including building carbon sequestration on the property through revegetation, healthy productive soils and new markets for biofuels.”
The consultation period closes 5pm Friday 14 April 2023. The consultation paper and agricultural emissions reduction survey are available here [1].
The SERS will identify robust and credible emissions reduction pathways for WA across all sectors of the economy including electricity, industry, transport, agriculture, buildings, land use, and waste. Further information on the SERS is available here [2].
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