Australia’s primary industries will be better equipped to deal with variations in climate following an agreement between state, Federal and government agencies to fund a $500,000 national research strategy on climate change.

The CRRDCC agreed to co-fund the National Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries (CCRSPI) at the September 2007 meeting. CCRSPI will link research efforts on issues that apply across industries and jurisdictions, enabling a collaborative, cross-sector approach to coordinate and leverage research in areas of common interest.

The strategy will guide research to reduce the risks, maximise the opportunities for primary industries (agriculture, fisheries and forestry) and make the most of limited research funding. It will cover issues related to adaptation to climate change, greenhouse gas mitigation, emissions accounting and trading, and the consequences for primary industries and rural communities.

CCRSPI Update - January 2008

• A joint Strategy Team was formed to oversee development of the research strategy. Its members are executive managers from Land & Water Australia, Grains RDC, Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, CSIRO, the Department of Agriculture & Food WA, and the University of Melbourne.
  

• A review of existing policies and activities relevant to climate change and primary industries has been completed to ensure consistency and avoid duplication.
  

• Consultancies have been contracted with:
  

1. the CSIRO to examine the current state of knowledge on climate change and Australian primary industries; and
2. the Australian Farm Institute on the current state of knowledge relating to greenhouse gas emissions and emissions trading.
   

• The strategy team has sought to engage and consult with a broad cross-section of stakeholders in the development of the research strategy. Interviews have been held with 35 industry organisations and state government representatives to discuss their information needs.
  

• In response to a public call for comment, 63 submissions were received which contributed valuable input to the strategy.
  

• In addition we have convened three meetings of a Reference Group (including state and federal policy makers, researchers, economists and primary producers) to discuss and scope out the broad issues for primary industries relating to climate change and emissions trading. 

• A two day workshop was held with representatives of the Rural Research and Development Corporations to discuss the development of the research strategy along with their priorities and information needs.
  

Some Key Findings

1. In the absence of a coordinated and collaborative research effort there appears to have been some duplication of effort and a lack of awareness about what research has already been undertaken.
2. There is a widespread call for more accurate information on the extent and timing of climate change and emissions management.
   
3. Most respondents see climate change impacts as increasingly important in the future.
4. There is a much lower level of understanding about emissions management and trading than about the impacts of climate change. 
5. There is a high level of confusion and concern about emissions management and trading and a strong call for clear and accessible information on emissions trading: ‘how will it work and what will it cost?’, ‘how will regional and commodity differences be factored into the scheme?'
6. There is widespread concern about a lack of consultation between primary industries, government and other decision and policy makers; and about the possible imposition of an emissions trading scheme on primary industries without adequate consultation.
7. The positive impacts of climate change and emissions management identified included income from creating carbon sinks and business opportunities.
8. Collaborative research was seen as useful where practical, particularly on:
• More accurate climate change projections at regional scales.
• Information hubs and communication on climate change issues.
• Measuring emissions and carbon footprints.
9. There was general agreement on the importance of integrating social and economic perspectives, research and strategies with the bio-physical aspects.

Next Steps

The strategy team is now compiling and synthesising these consultations and reports, and a draft of the Research Strategy will be developed during January and February 2008 for delivery in March to the Primary Industries Standing Committee and the Council of Chairs of the Rural RDCs.

Visit the CRRSPI website here