The future of Australian agriculture may lie in drought-hardy crops like pomegranates, olives and bush tomatoes, according to the country’s government.
The New Rural Industries for Future Climates report, released by the government’s Rural Industries Development Agency, has recommended the country’s farmers look at new crops in expectation grain and livestock production will fall, reported the AAP.
Olives, capers, bush tomatoes, pomegranates, mustard, quinoa and native grasses were recommended by the report as crops worthy of expanded production.
The report looked at six agricultural regions across Australia, and found the industry highly vulnerable to changes in temperature. Yields, quality and reliability of product is expected to decline over the coming century.
Wheat production was expected to fall 24 per cent by 2070, and livestock farming in southern Australia was forecast to drop 30 per cent.
“These changes to farming environments and business operating conditions will provide many threats and some opportunities for Australia's farmers,” the report said.
“In order to survive and thrive under these changing conditions, farmers will require a greater diversity of agricultural enterprises adapted to a wider range of climates.”
The report also said the Australian government should invest in rural infrastructure, irrigation, and agricultural research and development.
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