How strong are Aussie’s AG sustainability credentials?
In the quest for a sustainable future, Australian agriculture emerges as a beacon of environmental responsibility, with the latest Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES) report revealing an internationally enviable sustainability record.
In today’s world, with sustainability high on the agenda across the board, stakeholders from domestic and international markets place a premium on measuring sustainability outcomes, reflecting a growing sensitivity and investment in agricultural environmental practices.
Gauging global sustainability outcomes isn't a breeze
International organisations have been trying to create one-size-fits-all indicators, but it's a challenging task considering the diverse natural environments and agricultural production systems across countries. To champion effective international comparisons, precise and tailored measurements that consider unique environments and practices are essential.
If we look at Australia, we have a country with extraordinary biodiversity and an array of climate zones within the same nation. ABARES emphasizes our distinction as one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries, housing a staggering 70% of the world's biological diversity in less than 10% of its surface area. Boasting around 600,000 native species and landscapes from alpine snowfields to tropical rainforests, to arid deserts, our country’s agricultural sustainability must be evaluated within the context of its unparalleled environment.
Australia is joined by other extremely diverse countries such as the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
How do Australia's sustainability credentials stack up against other major agricultural producers?
The ABARES report delves into key indicators of sustainability in agriculture, unveiling impressive trends. Australia shines as a frontrunner in the responsible use of pesticides and fertilisers, with some of the lowest usage rates worldwide. Moreover, the country has led the charge in shifting agricultural land use into nature conservation since 1970, while simultaneously boosting productivity and agricultural output.
In terms of biodiversity preservation, Australian tillage practices have proven to be marginally disruptive, and harmful environmental subsidies or tariffs are practically non-existent.
In the realm of emissions, compared to other major agricultural producers and exporters, we record below-average emission levels, particularly in cattle, specialist beef production, and grains. Plus, percentage-wise, we have reduced agricultural emissions more than most other countries in the last 30 years.
These achievements in environmental sustainability have won Australia's acclaim on the global stage.
Now, the focus shifts to effective communication and building upon this strong foundation. The Australian Government is collaborating with the industry to establish a framework that highlights these sustainability credentials, ensuring that the agricultural sector continues to lead in environmentally sustainable food production. Ongoing research and development efforts seek to foster innovation, equipping farmers with the tools to adapt to ever-changing environmental conditions.
