Key Takeaways
- The Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-Ag CRC) will receive $3 million over 10 years from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to advance emissions reduction research.
- The partnership aims to support Australian farmers and producers in remaining competitive in a low-emissions future.
- The research will focus on four key areas: low-emissions plant solutions, methane-free livestock, whole-farm systems analysis, and net-zero value opportunities.
- Education and training programs will be developed to encourage the adoption of new technologies and practices.
- The initiative seeks to enhance policy-making through scientific research while accelerating on-farm solutions.
Government and Research Collaboration for Sustainable Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has announced a strategic partnership with the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-Ag CRC) to advance research on emissions reduction in Australian agriculture. The agreement includes a $3 million investment over 10 years, aimed at helping Australian farmers and producers adapt to changing environmental and market conditions.
ZNE-Ag CRC conducts large-scale, long-term research to enable the implementation of emissions reduction innovations on Australian farms. The collaboration is designed to connect national policy-making with research-driven solutions, ensuring the agricultural sector remains sustainable and competitive.
“Farmers and producers will benefit over the next decade as the partnership maximizes outcomes from research and development, accelerates on-farm solutions, and helps producers remain competitive,” said Matt Lowe, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy.
Research Focus Areas
The ZNE-Ag CRC research initiative will be structured around four core programs:
- Low-Emissions Plant Solutions – Developing plant-based approaches to reduce agricultural emissions.
- Methane-Free Livestock Research – Investigating methods to reduce methane production in cattle and sheep.
- Whole-Farm and Mixed-Enterprise Systems Analysis – Examining ways to optimize farm operations for net-zero emissions.
- Net-Zero Value Opportunities – Exploring circular economy practices, on-farm and processing innovations, and global market opportunities.
In addition to research, the partnership will facilitate education, training, and adoption programs to support the implementation of these innovations by farmers and producers.
“Australian farmers and landholders will benefit through access to technologies and practices that will allow them to reduce emissions while remaining productive and competitive in an ever-changing environment,” Lowe added.
