BY DAKOTA TAIT
Farmers across the Hunter and Australia are calling on the next Federal Government to offer certainty the country will meet its net zero targets.
It comes as the Coalition faces internal dissent on the issue, with Queensland Senator Matt Canavan insisting the party isn't committed to the 2050 goal.
It's understood, the Nationals senator has been reprimanded by his colleagues.
But Farmers for Climate Action remains concerned, it's a sign of the path to come.
Alistair Tulloch, a fifth-generation grape grower at Tulloch Wines in the Hunter Valley, says the confusion is disappointing.
"On the ground, the effect of climate climate on agriculture is just profound," Mr Tulloch said.
"Our ability to consistently grow the food, or in my case, the grapes that end up as wine on the table, or vegetables in the supermarket, or meat in the butchery.
"These are all things that are becoming more unpredictable."
It's believed a strong climate policy and switch to renewables could create around 30,000 jobs in regional Australia.
Mr Tulloch says a lack of action won't just mean losing current jobs, but losing a way of life.
"We've been here growing grapes for almost 200 years in the Hunter Valley, and we plan to be here for another 200 years," Mr Tulloch said.
"We want to see that reflected in the sustainability of our industry - if there's a threat to that sustainability, then we want to see it addressed."
