Celebrating AgZero2030’s 5th Birthday: A milestone in climate action for agriculture

By SIMON WALLWORK

Last month, we celebrated an incredible milestone for AgZero2030: five years of dedicated, climate-focused advocacy in agriculture.

Reflecting on our journey, it's remarkable to see how far we've come, and it’s equally clear how far we have yet to go.

AgZero2030 began as a forum of concerned agricultural leaders here in Western Australia, driven by the urgent need to place our industry on the right side of history regarding climate change and decarbonisation.

The forum surfaced a shared understanding that farmers are uniquely positioned to be part of the climate solution.

We were, and still are, committed to producing food that not only respects the land but does so in a way that remains commercially viable.

From the very start, we pledged to adopt a carbon budget in collaboration with other sectors, understanding that it would require both adaptability and accountability.

At the inaugural forum in 2019, I remarked on the momentum that had brought us together.

Some of the attendees at the Creating Climate Solutions in WA Agribusiness Forum held at the University Club of WA in September 2019, where the AgZero2030 movement was created.

The Climate Solutions Working Group was born from conversations on social media where questions were raised about whether the WA agriculture industry was ready to lead on climate action.

Our response was an emphatic yes.

The group, comprised of farmers and industry professionals alike, had already accepted the science of climate change, and we were committed to ensuring agriculture was prepared to adapt.

Agriculture is intrinsically linked to science, and for us in WA, this includes climate science.

Our farmers are among the most adaptable, continually evolving practices to meet climatic challenges.

But we asked: would we also be ready to meet the broader demands climate change would place on us, such as market expectations and regulatory scrutiny?

Over the past five years, AgZero2030 has been driven by a team of dedicated volunteers who have shared a common vision: an agricultural sector that responds positively and proactively to climate change.

Our goals are straightforward but ambitious.

We aim to see WA agriculture be part of the climate solution by achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

To reach that goal, we share stories of climate-smart, profitable practices, improve climate literacy, and contribute to sound climate and agriculture policy.

One of our proudest moments was our largest-ever event, held in June, The Power Shift.

This event demonstrated the growing interest in, and engagement with, the energy transition within agriculture and our communities.

It underscored the unique potential renewable energy holds for agriculture - not just in the form of electrification but through the cascading benefits of affordable, reliable energy.

This shift can support new industries, including renewable diesel, green fertiliser, green steel, and desalination, each of which could invigorate regional economies.

As farms increase in size to cope with a drying and warming climate, these new industries offer a promising path to counter rural decline.

The Power Shift, hosted by AgZero2030 in June.

As we look back on the progress made from 2019 to 2024, the change is undeniable. Discussions around climate action have become more open and constructive.

There’s now planning and effort from both the public and private sectors aimed at decarbonising agriculture.

Carbon farming opportunities have emerged, and renewable energy is increasingly recognised as a valuable opportunity for our farm businesses and communities alike.

Yet, there are still obstacles to overcome.

Some agricultural advocacy groups remain hesitant to fully embrace the importance of climate adaptation and agriculture’s role in decarbonising the economy.

This resistance poses significant risks - not only in terms of market access but also in securing finance and insurance, not to mention the direct impacts climate change has on our landscapes, particularly the South West Land Division.

We also see growing regulatory requirements around climate risk disclosures, and we must be ready for this.

We’re immensely grateful to the many farmers, industry professionals, and community members who have engaged with AgZero2030, attended our events, and contributed to advancing climate resilience within the agricultural sector.

Your involvement is proof that our sector has the will to be part of the solution.

Looking to the future, AgZero2030 is at a pivotal point.

Over the coming months, we will be assessing the road ahead and identifying areas where we can make the most impact.

I invite each of you to join us in this endeavour.

Together, we can continue to shape an agriculture industry that not only thrives but also leads in climate action.

Here’s to another five years - and beyond - of meaningful, transformative progress.