02/03/2006 - Minister
for the Environment and Heritage, Senator
Ian Campbell, today praised the leadership
and practical action taken by Australian
rice growers, which has brought them to
the forefront of efforts to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions in the agriculture sector.
Releasing a new report, Australian Rice
Growers: Meeting the Greenhouse Challenge,
Senator Campbell said the efforts and commitment
of Australian rice growers under the Australian
Government’s Greenhouse Challenge Plus programme
were making a real difference.
“Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture
make up about 18 per cent of Australia’s
total emissions and also represent the loss
of valuable resources from farming systems,”
Senator Campbell said.
“This means there are real opportunities
for farmers to both help the environment
and enhance farm productivity and sustainability
by taking steps to minimise these emissions.
“Reducing emissions and improving overall
efficiency of the farming system as a core
part of overall farm management is one of
the most effective ways for agricultural
industries to respond to climate change.”
Senator Campbell said since joining the
Greenhouse Challenge Plus programme in 2000,
the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia
has built greenhouse issues into its comprehensive,
industry-wide environmental management system,
Environmental Champions.
Environmental Champions guides growers through
five levels of achievement based on their
level of participation, knowledge of environmental
issues, adoption of new practices, and their
ability to demonstrate improved efficiencies
on-farm.
This programme has already seen about 240
rice businesses identify opportunities and
start to take practical actions to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions in seven key areas
– flood irrigation, nitrogen management,
soil management, stubble management, greenhouse
sinks, energy efficiency, and waste management.
“By taking action in these areas, Australian
rice growers will not only be minimising
their greenhouse gas emissions and increasing
their productivity, but will also be helping
to safeguard their competitive edge in world
markets facing the challenges of climate
change,” Senator Campbell said.
Australian Rice Growers: Meeting the Greenhouse
Challenge presents case studies of rice
growers who have improved the productivity
of their businesses while also addressing
greenhouse and other environmental issues.
It includes examples of what can be done
at a practical and local level.
Greenhouse Challenge Plus is part of the
Australian Government’s $1.9 billion climate
change strategy, which aims to build an
effective global response to climate change,
reduce national greenhouse gas emissions,
and prepare communities and industries for
the unavoidable impacts of climate change.
For more information, or to view a copy
of the report, visit www.greenhouse.gov.au/agriculture
