As the Federal Election draws near, we can expect the Shakespearean tragedy of Australia's energy policy to remain centre stage. But just how real is this issue for Australian farmers?
Energy policy has been a central theme underscoring a brutal decade of Australian Federal politics. It's been the justification for many a political knifing, and a growing source of discontent among voters.
But beneath the backstabbing and bloviating that dominates political debate, lies a serious issue eroding the profitability of Australian farm businesses.
AustralianFarmers has consulted with the experts to bring you this ready-reckoner on all things energy.
So, why is energy such a hot topic this election?
For almost a decade the path towards both major parties agreeing on a set energy policy has been contentious and dramatic to say the least.
Energy policies were a contributing factor to Malcolm Turnbull's demise, with his National Energy Guarantee proposal said to be the final straw. And energy remains an unsolved facet of Australia's economic and climate policy settings.
"Getting a consensus position, let alone a bipartisan one, on an energy policy has proven to be elusive for way too long," says the National Farmers' Federation's natural resource management expert Warwick Ragg.
"At present, both parties are committed to reform and are following some technical pathways, but what remains the most pressing concern is the emissions target."
Australia is a part of The Paris Agreement, through which 174 countries and the European Union agreed to combat climate change. As part of this, Australia is obliged to achieve a 26 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
The Morrison Government is committed to the 26 per cent figure, however the Labor Party wants a reduction of 45 per cent in the same timeframe.
"The 26 per cent target will keep the global temperature rise at about 2 degrees Celsius, while 45 per cent (if adopted globally) would limit warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius," Mr Ragg said.
The Coalition Government, along with the NFF, believe the Opposition's energy policy will be detrimental to the economy and agriculture, either directly or through flow on effects such as more expensive electricity or additional transport costs.
As for how we achieve these reductions, much of the political focus remains on energy generation – shifting to renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind farms, batteries and pumped hydro systems.
Meanwhile the farm sector has been quietly doing its part, leading the economy by reducing our emissions intensity by 63% between 1996 and 2016.
Why are energy policies so important to farmers?
Australian farmers rely on sound energy policies for two critical reasons. The first being the cost of energy and the second is its reliability.
NFF Climate and Energy taskforce chair and a mixed farmer from Walpeup, Victoria Gerald Leach knows better than anyone else the realities of reliable energy policies.
"The cost of energy is critical for Australian farmers in maintaining our international competitiveness when selling produce."
Mr Leach said without a bipartisan energy policy Australian agriculture and the Australian economy will suffer.
"If we are paying more for our energy than our overseas competitors, we are at a severe disadvantage.
"High energy costs will not only be detrimental to agriculture but also the economy as Australia exports two thirds of what we grow, totalling about $47 billion."
Energy reliability is paramount to all farming businesses particularly irrigators and intensive animal producers.
"The timing of energy use is crucial. For example, if a power shortage occurs when an irrigated farm, such as a vineyard, needs to be watered productivity can be reduced, the viability of the crop is at risk and a lot of money goes down the drain.
"Power outages, particularly for dairy farmers when milking and air-conditioned sheds for chicken and egg farmers, can also be extremely costly in terms of animal losses," Mr Leach said.
Australian farmers have been working tirelessly for decades to maintain their status as world leaders in sustainable farming and uphold their commitment to reduce emissions.
"Agriculture has a great record for emissions reduction. If you measure our energy use per unit of production in the last few decades, that energy use has significantly reduced," Mr Leach said.
In fact, the red meat sector, for example, has made significant progress towards reducing its carbon footprint by reducing emissions by 45 per cent between 2005 and 2015.
With the current rate of innovation, research and new farm practices, Australian agriculture is on track towards its target of trending towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
What is NFF's position and election asks on energy?
Farmers are the ultimate environmentalists, managing around half of Australia's landmass and are global leaders in sustainable farming.
"The primary ask from the NFF is for a solid energy policy that solves the trilemma of affordability, reliability and sustainability," NFF President Fiona Simson said.
At the moment energy, including electricity generation and transport, accounts for more than 70 per cent of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.
"For the upcoming election the NFF is seeking for in the incoming government to help agriculture transition to renewable and affordable energy in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"The farm sector has a target to 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and a 25 per cent cut in the price of power by 2020.
"To achieve this the NFF has asked for the government to implement the recommendations from the ACCC's Retail Energy Pricing Inquiry and undertake an annual review of how energy policy is impacting electricity prices and agricultural competitiveness," Ms Simson said.
