Australia's Agricultural Land Loss to Carbon Sequestration Could Reach 18 Million Hectares by 2050
Estimates suggest that Australia may lose up to 18 million hectares of agricultural land to carbon sequestration projects by 2050, equivalent to three Tasmanias. This shift aims to achieve 119 million tonnes of abatement, with significant impacts anticipated in high-rainfall regions. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences highlights that this represents about 4% of the nation's agricultural land. Concerns arise regarding the effects on food production and regional economies, with potential revenue losses of $2.8 billion annually from agricultural exports.

Australia could see up to 18 million hectares of agricultural land shift to carbon sequestration by 2050, as modeled by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences. This change is projected to achieve 119 million tonnes of abatement and affects high-rainfall productive areas.
The transition could reduce agricultural export revenue by $2.8 billion annually while carbon sequestration income might reach $9 billion. Approximately 40% of farms would fully convert to carbon activities, raising concerns about regional employment and economic impacts. The National Farmers' Federation emphasizes that the decision to convert land should remain with farmers.




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