The country’s main agricultural body has hit back at the Australian Conservation Foundation’s Future of Food report, calling it an ill-considered attack on farmers and food companies.
The report strongly criticizes supermarkets and food companies for not setting targets to reduce deforestation.
“It is extremely disappointing to see this kind of attack on farmers and the food companies that supply them,” said National Farmers Union President David Goschinki.
“Promoting this type of ideology spreads harmful misinformation and completely ignores the facts.
“Inflammatory language suggesting that people are contributing to the extinction of wildlife by simply trying to feed their families is very poor behaviour. It is a blatant attempt to line fundraising coffers by attacking household brands that buy from Australian farmers.
“As custodians of more than half of Australia’s land area, farmers play a pivotal role in caring for and improving our natural environment – it is in their interests to do so and they do so on behalf of all Australians.
“Australia’s regulatory framework is among the most stringent in the world, and we see clearing rates continue to decline every year.
“Evidence suggests that deforestation in Queensland has fallen by 50% year-on-year, and that 80% of the trees removed are recurrent tree regrowth management required to maintain a healthy biodiversity balance.”
In addition to the strict state and territory regulations on land clearing, the farm sector is also working closely with the federal government on environmental reform through the Positive Nature Bill, and has developed a comprehensive strategy for the industry. Domain To demonstrate sustainable agricultural practices, including greenhouse gas emissions, air, soil, landscape, biodiversity, water, materials and resources.
“Farmers are working hard to balance sustainable food and fibre production with complex landscape management as part of their ongoing emissions reduction journey.
The red meat sector has already reduced its emissions by around 59% compared to 2005 levels.
“We encourage the organisation to get out of their Carlton office and visit farmers to see the work they are doing to reduce emissions on behalf of all Australians.
“Any campaign that downplays these climate change victories lacks research and credibility and needs to work with agriculture on the challenges farmers face when it comes to reducing emissions and managing land.
“It is essential that policy is driven by science and tailored to Australia’s unique environment, not based on ideology.”
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