UPDATE 1-Australia excludes farms from carbon scheme

(For more stories on Australia and New Zealand's carbon emissions debates, click on [ID:nCARBONAU]) (Adds fresh comment by minister, opposition)

SYDNEY, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Australia's government has agreed to exclude agriculture from its emissions trading scheme in a major concession to the opposition to try to get carbon trading laws through parliament, a minister said on Sunday.

The scheme has been delayed in the Senate and the move triggered speculation of an impending deal a day before parliament reopens and in the run-up to major U.N. climate talks in Copenhagen next month.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's Labor Party does not have a majority in the Senate and needs the votes of seven other lawmakers to pass the carbon trade bills. A vote is expected during the week of Nov. 23.

His government leads opinion polls, but ministers are seeking passage of the legislation to guard against an early election.

Both sides on Sunday said talks were proceeding.

Climate Change Minister Penny Wong announced the concession and called for quick approval by parliament.

"We've got the opportunity to pass for the first time legislation that actually reduces Australia's contribution to climate change," Wong told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"That is why we will continue to move forward in those negotiations because this is in Australia's national interest. We need to get this reform through."