Xinhua (China)
July 17, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english
CANBERRA, July 17 (Xinhua) — The development of climate-change friendly farming practices depends on scientists and farmers having a closer relationship, an Australian politician said on Friday.
"We need to get the laboratory and the paddock a bit closer in talking about what is the need and what are the questions we need to answer," Labor member of Parliament Dick Adams said.
Adams is chairing a parliamentary inquiry looking at ways government can assist farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change.
A House of Representatives committee has taken evidence during public hearings in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and regional centers since the end of May.
This week the committee visited properties near Rockhampton and Emerald, in central Queensland, to look at on-farm innovations for adapting to climate variability.
Farmers were asking questions about farm forestry and the economics of carbon sinks.
Research was being conducted into what animals "eat", the emissions they produce, and the crops farmers grow.
A final report is expected to be tabled in parliament early next year.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/17/content_11724767.htm