Australia: Queensland climate adaptation strategy - Agriculture sector adaptation plan
This Agriculture Sector Adaptation Plan (Ag SAP) provided an opportunity to take stock of current adaptation activities and resources in Queensland’s agricultural sector. The Ag SAP has identified critical barriers, gaps and industry needs, and has made recommendations for future actions and a way forward to build a stronger and more sustainable agricultural sector.
The Ag SAP is a component of the Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy. The Ag SAP highlights current climate adaptation activities within the agriculture sector and considers gaps and barriers to sound climate adaptation in the farming community. The Ag SAP is the first step to address the adaptation needs of this highly diverse industry. Ongoing development and refinement will be required for each agriculture sector to develop more targeted individual strategies.
An extensive literature review and widespread stakeholder consultation has formed the base for the Ag SAP. The following six key findings and recommendations for the agriculture sector will build a platform for sustainable adaptation action:
- Optimise access to climate hazard information and projections at scales that can inform industry and farm-level risk assessments
- Continue to develop and refine tools and resources that support farm, regional, supply chain and industry-level management decision-making
- Support the delivery of facilitation and engagement programs
- Improve access to necessary finance and agriculture insurance
- Explore mechanisms to enable climate risk management and climate adaptation to be addressed across agricultural supply chains
- Enhance investment in programs and initiatives that support and catalyse innovation and resilience, with a particular focus on the “next generation” in the agriculture sector.