NSW Farmers’ fantastic change on climate change

MEDIA RELEASE - 16 July 2015

The Greens NSW climate spokesperson  Jeremy Buckingham today praised the NSW Farmers’ Association for changing their climate change policy to acknowledge climate change, its impact on farmers and supporting a transition away from coal and gas to renewable energy sources.

The move was facilitated by NSW Young Farmers’ Council at the NSW Farmers’ Association annual conference.

“I heartily congratulate the NSW Farmers’ Association for this key policy change and acknowledge the excellent work done by young farmers to achieve this new policy,” said Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham.

“Not only are farmers at the front line for the impacts of climate change, but as land managers and custodians of large tracts of the environment, they must play a crucial role in efforts to avoid dangerous levels of climate change.

“The Greens and farmers are aligning on key issues.  We work together to protect land and water and for policies that facilitate successful and sustainable agriculture and regional economic development.

“NSW Farmers’ Associations support for a transition away from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy is fantastic.  The expansion of coal and coal seam gas directly threatens farmers and makes no sense with the global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy that is picking up speed.

“Many of the farmers I meet around NSW are highly attuned to the environment and care deeply about it.  It is good to see the NSW Farmers’ Association now recognising the biggest environmental challenge we all face – global climate change.”

Contact: Max Phillips – 9230 2202 or 0419 444 916

 

NSW Farmers’ Association Policy Change minutes:

a) That the following sections of NSW Farmers’ Policy be rescinded:

  • It can be shown that the temperature has risen first followed by carbon dioxide and not the other way round, and that until a royal commission is held to explore the scientific veracity and soundness of claims that carbon is a pollutant, we should not embark on any action which will cost us as a nation dearly in money, forgone export earnings and effort for no gain. CARRIED
  • That the Association continue to seek more scientific rigour in the climate change debate. LOST
  • In the interest of determining the science behind climate change, that the Association lobby for a Royal Commission into whether the activities of mankind are responsible for causing any change. CARRIED
  • That the Association in conjunction with NFF, call upon the Federal Government to undertake a full and open examination of the science surrounding the theory of man-induced climate change. CARRIED

    b) That the following policy be inserted:

  • NSW Farmers acknowledges that primary producers are on the front lines of seasonal variability, exacerbated  by a changing climate, and supports its members playing an active role in the issue. CARRIED
  •  NSW Farmers encourages Governments to support the transition from fossil fuels like coal and gas towards more renewable energy sources in rural, regional and remote areas where their operation can be shown to be of a net benefit to farming communities. CARRIED

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