2016-08-18
Senator Rachel Siewert
Apparently during the federal election campaign the Greens had more farmers running as candidates than the Nationals - including of course our own Ian James here in WA. Although I acknowledge this is largely due to the Greens opposition to fracking on farmland I would like to think that this will continue and in fact grow into the future.
During the election we launched a myriad of policies related to different issues that affect the country; this included our updated agricultural package, which is important in outlining how we protect our farmers and support sustainable agriculture into the future. We lead the way on opposing the backpacker tax and the Government's flawed changes to the wine equalization tax, on regional diversification and importantly how we support agriculture in a changing climate.
Our plan includes investing $100 million over four years to establish a new Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, whilst existing rural research and development corporations would receive a $75 million boost. Over the years Landcare has had substantial cuts by federal government: it is time to put that money back so we can look after our natural resources. The Greens agriculture package ploughs money back into Landcare, with $722 million committed to revegetation and rehabilitation projects.
Unless we seriously invest in sustainable agriculture and into research and development, we will not be able to keep our agriculture at the cutting edge in the face of the impacts of climate change. What we believe is missing at the moment is how we translate some of that research into on-the-ground outcomes. If we don't make sure that we are putting research and the future of agriculture very high on our agenda, we're going to fall further behind. This is extremely important for our food security at an Australian level and a global level, and also for looking after the future of our farmers and growers. Our package also moves to invest an additional $100m over four years into our National Soil Health Strategy. This will benefit the environment, and help farmers for a more sustainable agriculture sector.
Many Australians want to buy fresh, locally grown food, but it isn't always available. The Greens will provide $80 million to strengthen local food systems, and connect farmers to their communities. This will benefit farmers, help communities eat more healthily, and benefit the environment.
The Productivity Commission has just released its draft report on agriculture regulation. Although I haven't had time to fully review it, many of the key points are concerning - such as 'reforming' a number of protections such as land clearing laws, mandatory labelling laws, bans on GMOs and animal welfare law. It is disappointing that the focus on agriculture is often about winding back measures that protect biodiversity, animals or respecting peoples' right to informed choice, rather than how to ensure sustainable agriculture in a changing climate.
Photo: Rainbow garlanding a field of lupins, Jennacubine, WA Rick Horbury