New Report Offers Emissions Reduction Pathways for Primary Industries

The NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub is accelerating the state’s transition to net zero with the release of a landmark report outlining practical, cost-effective and high-impact emissions reduction opportunities for agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

Developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in partnership with the Hub’s Land and Primary Industries Network (LPIN) and Climate-KIC Australia, the NSW Land and Primary Industries Low Emissions Options Report identifies where the greatest emissions reductions and carbon sequestration can be made while maintaining productivity and supporting regional communities.

NSW DPIRD Executive Director Climate and Natural Resources Jason Crean said the report provides a comprehensive assessment of potential emission reduction options for primary industries in NSW.

Key areas for low-carbon action

The report combines scientific modelling with extensive industry consultation to identify the most promising opportunities for emissions reduction, as well as the practical constraints that need to be addressed for wider adoption. Options explored include:

▪ Feed additives to reduce methane in ruminants

▪ Biochar for soil improvement, waste management and carbon removal

▪ Herd management and selective breeding for higher feed efficiency and lower methane production

▪ Small-scale renewables and electrification to replace fossil fuel use

▪ Biofuels and biodiesel for machinery and vehicles

▪ Precision fishing to reduce fuel use and emissions

▪ Environmental plantings on previously deforested land

NSW DPIRD Senior Principal Research Scientist Annette Cowie, who led the project, said the report will foster collaboration across stakeholders to unlock innovation, investment and shared benefits.

Turning insight into impact

Many of the priority areas identified in the report are already the focus of LPIN investments, including biochar and environmental plantings, optimising pig diets for lower emissions, converting vegetation to biofuels, capturing carbon in marginal land and deploying waste-heat recovery technologies on farms.

The report also highlights the need for stronger skills development and capability building. In response, LPIN is preparing programs for farmers, advisers and early-career researchers alongside new policy frameworks for emerging technologies.

LPIN Network Lead Professor Uffe Nielsen said the findings highlight LPIN’s role in advancing practical, collaborative decarbonisation solutions for the agricultural frontline.

In addition to our work supporting the land and primary industries sector, the Hub is continuing to advance practical solutions in sustainable fuels and energy efficiency – areas identified in the report as critical to NSW’s decarbonisation goals and directly beneficial to primary producers.

Looking ahead

With the report now guiding LPIN’s work program, the Hub will continue partnering with farmers, researchers, industry groups and government to accelerate the adoption of proven solutions. This coordinated approach supports NSW’s 2030, 2035 and 2050 emissions targets and positions the state’s primary industries as leaders in Australia’s low-carbon transition.

📬 Get involved

LPIN is keen to connect with anyone working on decarbonisation in land and primary industries, including landholders, industry, government, research or the community. Get in touch with us here to explore opportunities to collaborate.