Agriculture

1. Principles

The Queensland Greens believe that:

1.1 The future and long-term viability of agriculture depends on the adoption of the principles of ecologically sustainable agriculture.

1.2 Cultivating the skills and knowledge of land managers is vital in achieving sustainable land management.

1.3 Animal husbandry must respect animals' sentient nature, and maximise their quality of life.

1.4 Genetically engineered organisms and their products, must be rigorously and transparently assessed according to the precautionary principle and peer reviewed scientific data.

1.5 Rural communities are vital sections of our society; and we must ensure they have a viable future.

2. Goals

The Queensland Greens want:

2.1 To develop a State-wide policy framework for sustainable agriculture and natural resource management, based on the integration of all potential resources, to provide environmental, economic and social sustainable options.

2.2 To revitalise agricultural research institutes, and funding research and development into:

   2.2.1 farming systems appropriate to sustainable agriculture;

   2.2.2 implications of forecast climate change for agricultural production and rural communities;

   2.2.3 herbicide and pesticide contamination in the environment, relevant to contemporary agricultural practices.

2.3 To implement a state-wide audit of soil health and land capacity, to form the input for the development of policy options for Sustainable Agriculture.

2.4 To institute landscape-scale sustainable Land and Water Management Plans, which will include the redesign of irrigation systems, and designation of land usage for cropping, forestry, wetlands, biodiversity corridors and urban development in the landscape.

2.5 To increase support for regional Catchment Management Authorities in developing sustainable resource management strategies, within the state-wide framework.

2.6 To strengthen and integrate State-wide programmes to eradicate or control pests, diseases and weeds in a cost effective manner, while complying with the principles of ecological sustainability.

2.7 To facilitate field days, seminars and other educational frameworks to promote sustainable practices in agriculture, including the adoption of organic and other sustainable farming methods and integrated pest management practices.

2.8 To establish and monitor a fund to provide to assist land managers to convert to sustainable farming systems that require capital investment.

2.9 Drought relief on the adoption of appropriate sustainable farming methods.

2.10 To promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to land managers, to assist them to minimize the use of agri-chemicals.

2.11 To strengthen controls and review Regulations and Codes with the aim of reducing dependence on agri-chemical use.

2.12 To provide investment incentives for farm diversification that includes high value, mixed species farm forestry or analogue forestry, where such activity is included in regional or State-wide planning schemes.

3. Measures

The Queensland Greens will:

3.1 Protect natural and agricultural systems from the risks of contamination from Genetically Engineered (GE) organisms and their products.

3.2 Mandate strict application of precautionary regulations to the vetting and licensing of GE organisms and their products.

3.3 Ensure the onus of proof of safety and efficacy in the release of GE organisms is on the proponents, who retain full legal liability for the consequences of any contamination and damage.

3.4 Suspend all GE field trials, and maintain the moratorium on the release of GE organisms and their products, until such time as it can be unequivocally established that the product/s in question will not contaminate the environment, seed stocks or the food supply chain.

3.5 Legislate to ensure legal liability is imposed on the owners of GE products and their agents for any contamination or damage resulting from the dissemination of GE organisms or their products.

3.6 Develop enforceable protection of animal rights and welfare.

3.7 Introduce enforceable regulations to protect animal welfare, based on current codes of practice for Animal Husbandry (see also Animal Welfare policy).

3.8 Promote legislation requiring the phasing out of battery cages and feedlots, and banning the routine use of antibiotics in animal husbandry, whilst providing transitional assistance to affected farmers through an appropriate fund.

3.9 Strengthen regional, political and economic structures to enhance the capacity of regional communities to sustain economic activity.

3.10 Label all foods and food products to include Country of Origin, contaminants, any applicable health warnings, and indication of any Genetic Engineering (GE) derived ingredients.

3.11 Develop State planning regulations to protect agricultural land from urban development.

3.12 Facilitate community supported agriculture and local marketing initiatives that enhance connectivity between rural and urban communities, and drive demand for local, sustainably produced produce.