THE National Farmers' Federation has defended its 2050 carbon neutral target, after federal Ag Minister David Littleproud said the government couldn't support the policy as it was not clear "who pays for it".
NFF chief executive Tony Mahar said the organisation was "comfortable" with its position and was working on the data and methodology of how to achieve the 2050 target.
"Our view is that businesses, industries and farmers set targets all the time - we have to set targets, then understand the challenges that underpin that target," Mr Mahar said.
"In terms of who pays for it, we want to get the data and methodology right, so agriculture can play its part. Of course we would never do anything that would disadvantage agriculture."
The NFF announced its policy in August last year, with president Fiona Simson acknowledging the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 would be just an aspiration without significant policy change.
"We need to equip farmers with far better tools for evaluating and reporting on individual business emissions," Ms Simson said.
"This will require new investment in research and development, so we have more robust baseline information, new pathways to reduce emissions, and fewer barriers to participation in carbon markets."
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