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Farmers talk tough on emissions trading scheme

Posted July 9, 2008 08:09:00
Updated July 9, 2008 08:57:00

The NFF says an emissions trading scheme will reduce Australia's international competitiveness.

The NFF says an emissions trading scheme will reduce Australia's international competitiveness.

Farmers say they will refuse to join any emissions trading scheme which puts them at a disadvantage with their overseas competitors.

Professor Ross Garnaut, the author of a report provided to the Government, has suggested the agriculture sector could join a trading scheme by 2013.

The National Farmers Federation (NFF) says even with compensation, a scheme would reduce Australia's competitiveness on world markets.

The Federation's Ben Fargher says there is no certainty that methods for farmers to reduce emissions will be found by 2013.

"We'll certainly not be willing to consider agriculture's coverage until we well understand those monitoring verifications issues and until farmers have those abatement options" he said.

"In regard to the global scene we do want the rules changed, we're willing to play a part, but we cannot be disproportionately impacted."

Tags: environment, climate-change, government-and-politics, federal-government, rural, agricultural-policy, australia, act

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