Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has suggested excluding agriculture from long-term climate targets.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he wants Australia to reach net zero emissions “as soon as possible, and preferably by 2050”, but has not backed this desire with any concrete plans. 

Asked about what the government plans to do, Mr McCormack said that whatever happens, Australia should follow New Zealand's lead and exempt emissions from the agriculture sector.

“Indeed, that could well be one of the options, but as I say, it's a long way off,” the Nationals leader told Sky News.

“New Zealand, well yes they've said that 2050 is a target but they've also had that caveat with their agriculture.

“Well if that's what it takes, well that's what it takes, but we're not going to hurt regional Australia, we're not going to hurt those wonderful people who've put food on our table.”

New Zealand’s target is to reach net zero emissions by 2050 “of all greenhouse gases other than biogenic methane”.

Mr McCormack says he is not thinking long-term.

“There are huge challenges in 2021 and we're not worried, well I'm certainly not worried, about what might happen in 30 years' time,” he said.

“The concentration at the moment indeed for me, for the National Party and indeed for regional Australia is getting back on our feet after what's been a very challenging year.”

The Labor opposition says it wants emissions reductions “across the economy”.