Regional Australia

Social and economic changes, a drying climate and declining terms of trade are making it tough for our rural communities.

Climate change represents our greatest emerging threat, and governments have a responsibility to reduce its impacts and promote adaptation strategies.

The Greens have a vision for an Australia in which profitable and sustainable agriculture supports vibrant rural communities.

We recognise that many land managers are pursuing sustainable practices and face complex technical challenges and significant costs.

The Greens will:

• Develop a national plan to address the impacts of climate change on rural communities and regional industries
• Support an integrated approach to weeds, salinity, water quality, soil degradation and habitat fragmentation
• Support the development of new, green industries that make productive use of native species
• Offer financial incentives for sustainable farming systems
• Remove public funding which supports environmentally destructive practices
• Enact a five-year moratorium on the release of genetically engineered organisms and protect our GE-free market status
• Promote organic agriculture.