Adapting to climate effects
Primary industries in SA operate in a variable climate which impacts productivity, water availability, and soil health. With extreme weather conditions worsening, our producers can mitigate climate change risks using strategic management practices.
PIRSA is collaborating with industry partners and all levels of government to lower greenhouse gas emissions and meet the targets of SA’s Net Zero Strategy 2024–2030.
Together we can prepare for and respond to climate change, making sure our industries and regions prosper for future generations.
Government policies and initiatives
State and national government plans are driving action to help our primary industries confront the effects of climate change.
Understanding your carbon footprint
Find out the causes of greenhouse gases in our state and how to measure your carbon footprint to lower farm emissions.
Carbon farming for primary producers
Carbon farming reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enhances carbon sequestration. See SA's roadmap, example projects, and opportunities for your farm.
SA Livestock Sustainable Solutions Program
The Livestock Sustainable Solutions Program supports South Australian red-meat producers in understanding and reducing livestock emissions.
Innovating for climate resilience
Climate change has a direct impact on the profitability of South Australia’s primary industries. It also presents opportunities for producers to capitalise on new markets.
We are designing production systems to meet these challenges, which involves adopting new agricultural methods, technologies, and standards.
PIRSA and SARDI staff use information on climate variability and longer-term climate change in the cropping, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, and forestry sectors. This includes developing:
- hardy field and irrigated crops, including new crops for farming systems
- adaptable pasture systems and regenerative agriculture
- livestock innovations such as feed supplements and feed base changes to reduce emissions
- blue carbon initiatives for marine ecosystems
- carbon sequestration methods for forestry production.
Learn about the broader SA Government perspective on adapting to climate change.
AgTech
We worked with producers and developers to test innovative on-farm products. Learn how you can adopt these solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Climate resources
Our resources provide insights into South Australia's climate projections, including other government support programs to help you manage risks.
Drought support
Access the funding and information needed to prepare your farm business, livestock, crops, and soil for times of drought, to minimise losses.