It might be considered an unlikely alliance, but Australian farmers and green groups have united in the fight against global warming.

They are launching a group called the Agricultural Alliance, which aims to significantly reduce emissions by up to 60 per cent by 2050.Seven groups have formed the alliance, including green groups like the Australian Conservation Foundation and the Climate Institute as well as farmers such as the South Australian Farmers Federation, Agforce from Queensland and the Country Women’s Association.

The new alliance believes it can deliver significant greenhouse gas reductions at an affordable cost, and with a deadline.

Australian Conservation Foundation executive director Don Henry says the group supports the call from the Australian Business Roundtable on Climate Change for the setting of targets for 2050 and 2020.

“They’ve also noted that a strong target – for example, at least 60 per cent reduction by 2050 – is absolutely affordable, and we’ll still see our economy grow strongly,” he said.