The agriculture minister, David Littleproud, has declared Australian business is “hungry” to pay farmers to protect biodiversity under a “world-first” scheme designed to reward environmental improvements alongside emissions reduction.

Last week’s federal budget included funding for a multi-stage agriculture biodiversity stewardship package that aims to make it attractive for farmers to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lift biodiversity protection on their land.

The goal in part is to create a climate and environment policy that appeals to farmers and will not be criticised by Coalition MPs otherwise opposed to steps to reduce emissions.

Speaking on the ABC’s RN Breakfast on Tuesday, Littleproud said Australia would be the first jurisdiction in the world to measure and reward improvement in biodiversity on farming land.

Read the full article on the Guardian Australia website, featuring Prof Andrew Macintosh