THE State Government has backed Victorian farmers to reduce their on-farm emissions and adapt to a changing climate with an innovative pilot program.

Agriculture minister, Mary-Anne Thomas visited Mt Lavinia Farm in Gippsland to launch a three-year pilot program that will work with up to 250 farm businesses across the state, to measure, manage and reduce their on-farm emissions.

As part of the program, participants will receive a free emissions assessment giving them an insight into their farm’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Ms Thomas said farmers have told the government they were keen to reduce emissions but unsure what steps needed to be taken.

“Victoria is well positioned to be a leader in low emissions agriculture and this program will further help farmers to ensure Victorian agriculture continues to be productive and profitable under a changing climate.”

The government is also providing $5 million worth of grants to help participating farmers to develop an action plan and to implement them.

The pilot will be delivered across nine rounds, covering Victoria’s key agricultural industries, including beef, dairy, grains, poultry, and sheep.

Mt Lavinia Farm owners, Rob and Joan Liley, were one of the first participants to take part, looking to maximise their conservation efforts on their beef cattle farm to further reduce their emissions.

“I believe producers are part of the climate change problem, I also believe we can be part of the solution in reducing emissions,” Mr Liley said.

The On-Farm Action Plan Pilot is a key part of the first Agriculture Sector Pledge – with the government investing almost $20 million in emissions reduction activities over the next four years.

The pilot is a key achievement alongside Agriculture Victoria’s flagship research trials to test methane-inhibiting

feed additives of dairy cows and engaging with farmers, researchers, and industry leaders about the role for Victorian agriculture in a net-zero climate resilient economy.

Producers, farm advisors, and other organisations interested in learning more about the On-Farm Action Plan Pilot and broader emissions reduction program can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/climate-and-weather.