Australian agriculture is vulnerable to climate change, as rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events are negatively impacting crop yields and livestock productivity. Climate change has reduced the average annual profitability of Australian farms by 22% or $18,600 per farm over the past 20 years. To ensure the future viability of Australian agriculture and food security, farmers will need to adopt more resilient practices and the sector will require investments in innovation and sustainable technologies to adapt to a changing climate.

1. How Climate Change Is Affecting
Australian Agriculture Sector

2. The Australian agriculture sector is crucial to the society and the economy of
Australia. It fills millions of Australian bellies with food, offers a variety of job
options, and boosts the economy through exports. It is also one of the sectors
most vulnerable to climate change, being susceptible to variations in
temperature, rainfall, and extreme weather.

3. Agriculture is a major cause, life in
Australia gets affected by the issue even
though it is susceptible to the effects of a
changing climate, agriculture must change,
then how can we keep feeding the country
and having the food options we desire if
climate change threatens our current
farming practices?

4. Australia’s agriculture-based economy

5. The success of agriculture not only sustains us but
also many Australians and communities in regional
towns, with the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
industries employing close to 3% of Australia’s
workforce, of which 82% dwell in regional locations.
Two-thirds of the food and fibre produced is
exported, making up 11% of all products and service
exports in 2018–19. Agriculture also generates a
considerable amount of export revenue.

6. Australia As a Food Exporting Country

8. Just over 2% of Australian farmers’ income in 2016–18
came from government assistance. This is much below
some of the nations that receive the highest subsidies,
such as Norway (61%) Switzerland (55%) and Japan
(17%), as well as the average for the Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (46 per
cent).
Agriculture includes not only the farm but also the
industries that help farmers and the supply chain from
the farm to the customer.
Food waste reduction along the entire production chain,
including at home, can help to lower demand and boost
sustainability.

9. How Australian agriculture is being impacted by climate change?

10. Australian farmers are under additional stress as a result of the recent rise in
extreme and intense drought, flooding, and temperature unpredictability linked to
climate change in Australia. Farmers now need to adjust their agricultural
operations to be productive and economical amid changing climatic circumstances in
addition to being vulnerable to market swings.

11. These methods improve soil structure and fertility, increase
water efficiency, lower input costs, and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in addition to absorbing carbon and lowering
greenhouse gas emissions.
Farmers already employ methods to lessen the impact of Australian climate
change. One of these is no-till farming, which prevents soil erosion by not
cultivating (ploughing) the field before planting and leaving crop residue on the
ground, increasing the amount of carbon that is added to the soil.

12. Australia’s fluctuating
precipitation patterns and
considerable temperature
variations can lead to
Following Risks.

13. Crops and livestock may suffer as a result of the spread and presence of diseases and
pests. Applications of pesticides could not be a good answer, which could result in pest
resistance and have a detrimental impact on the environment.
Biosecurity
Australian wheat yields are stable because of improved crop management techniques.
Maintaining crop yields, however, will be very difficult as Australia moves closer to a
2-degree Celsius warming with the corresponding changes in rainfall. Crop nutritional
value may change in addition to yield.
Crops Productivity and Quality

14. Heat stress in animals
Heat-stressed animals have smaller appetites and are less inclined to reproduce,
which results in considerable output losses for the cattle sector. This varies by region;
for instance, dairy output has increased in several Southern Australian districts.
Crop and Livestock Distribution
Crops currently grown in certain locations may no longer be sustainable; for
instance, wine grape plants may need to be relocated to cooler places to maintain
their quality qualities. Forage and pasture output for animals is decreased by less rain
and higher temperatures

15. How Australia’s agricultural profitability has
suffered as a result of climate change

16. According to the agricultural department, climate change has decreased Australian
farmers’ average annual profitability by 22%, or roughly $18,600 per farm, during
the previous 20 years.
According to a report published by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and
Resource Economics and Sciences, since 2000, climatic changes have caused
cropping farms in Australia to lose an average of $1.1 billion in annual revenue.

17. According to the article, Western Australia and other less drought-affected regions,
including NSW, had increases in income as a result of high grain and animal commodity
prices, whereas drought-affected NSW saw “significant declines in profit in 2018-19.”
In certain instances, well-intended measures might also penalise farmers who have
been better prepared – or fortunate – than farmers who are given aid and relief,
weakening management incentives and posing challenging equality challenges.
It suggests that drought policy should “increase resilience and enhanced productivity” in
addition to helping to struggle agricultural households.

18. What impact do these
agricultural developments have
on the general public?

19. Climate change may affect where certain nuts, fruits, and pastures may grow, which
may have an influence on cattle and dairy output if more dire predictions come true.
Are people willing to renounce the known foods and food quality?
Positively, consumer culinary preferences are changing as a result of how agriculture
is affecting climate change. Plant-based proteins are more and more in demand on
the market. Australians increasingly have access to plant-based goods that resemble
meat and dairy products as farmers adjust to the transition.

20. Is Australian agriculture headed
for a bright future?

21. There is a need for a workforce in rural areas with a variety of skills and
training, as opposed to those that are often connected with the industry. For
instance, on-farm sensors, robotics, and automation will free up agricultural
workers’ time to focus on complicated jobs rather than simple ones that need
for little ability.
The production of wholesome, nutritious foods with known provenance from
effective, creative, and sustainable farming methods, as well as strong and
robust biosecurity measures to manage the dangers of pests and diseases, are
essential for our country’s current and future export success.

22. For all Australians, the viability of our agricultural businesses is essential. In
addition to keeping food on our plates, Australian food products command
high prices in export markets because they are created to meet the demands
of picky and wealthy consumers abroad. In order to lessen the effects of
climate change on agriculture and assure environmentally sustainable farming
practises into the future, it is essential to invest in fundamental or discovery
research as well as innovative technology.
Conclusion