Accelerating adoption of climate-smart sustainable agriculture

The Australian Government is investing in new programs to help the agriculture industry transition to a more climate resilient, productive and sustainable sector. 

A network of Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators (SAFs) are available to provide extension services to improve farmers’ knowledge and uptake of climate smart practices. 

Peter Arthofer is the SAF for the Burdekin NRM region. The role includes:

1. Engaging and informing farmers, landholders, community groups, and agriculture industries within the Burdekin region about climate-smart, sustainable agriculture practices – including best practice natural resource management, biodiversity and carbon markets, and practices that support emissions reduction and build climate resilience on-farm – to help achieve climate-smart sustainable agriculture outcomes.

2. Helping farmers, landholders, community groups and agriculture industries to build connections and work together to achieve sustainable agriculture outcomes.

3. Supporting the delivery of climate-smart, sustainable agriculture projects in the Burdekin region.

This is achieved through a range of activities:

• sharing relevant government information, policies, programs, and tools, advising of upcoming funding opportunities; 
• sharing relevant training opportunities; and
• engaging with First Nations peoples and organisations. 

These activities are geared to help the agriculture sector:

• adopt practices to reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change;
• harness carbon and biodiversity incentives and implement industry sustainability frameworks; and