GrainGrowers has responded to questions relating to the proposed reference pathways (Question 1), the barriers to, and policies needed for, domestic low-emissions industries (Question 5) and the role of the Safeguard Mechanism in encouraging onsite abatement (Question 10).
In response to the consultation paper, GrainGrowers:
- Considers that agriculture requires a more tailored approach to tracking progress that reflects the significant influence of seasonal and climatic variability on both emissions and production outcomes, such as the incorporation of rolling averages (Question 1).
- Considers Australia to have significant opportunities to expand low-emissions industries based on agricultural feedstocks including low carbon liquid fuels and low emissions fertilisers, with key priorities including leveraging existing ethanol production capacity, supporting grain grower participation in emerging markets and accelerating innovation, commercialisation and adoption of low emissions fertilisers (Question 5).
- Supports a Safeguard Mechanism that prioritises stronger onsite abatement but oppose blunt ACCU restrictions that undermine confidence in genuine farm-based carbon projects (Question 10).
GrainGrowers looks forward to working with the Climate Change Authority on this topic.