Since 2011, the Federal Government has rewarded farmers for reducing or storing carbon through the Australian Carbon Credit Unit scheme.
While the scheme is growing in popularity, barriers to its uptake remain.
With help from the Country Road Climate Fund, Landcare Australia has created the Environmental Plantings Toolkit, a free online tool to support eligible farmers to understand their opportunities to participate in the ‘green economy’.
“The government’s carbon credit scheme provides benefits to the environment, landholders and the community,” Landcare Australia chief executive officer Shane Norrish said.
“One way for eligible farmers to participate is by planting native vegetation to sequester carbon,” he said.
“Large-scale plantings can reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, a primary cause of global warming and climate change, and restore biodiversity while controlling erosion and improving farm productivity.”
Dr Norrish said in addition to sequestering carbon, environmental plantings enhance on-farm conditions by improving paddocks for grazing, offering shade and shelter for livestock, and creating habitat for native wildlife.
These improvements can also help farmers meet evolving supply chain expectations.
“For eligible farmers, carbon farming may be considered as a way to diversify revenue,” Dr Norrish said.
“Selling carbon credits may provide a valuable second income stream, supplementing their primary agricultural income.
“For primary producers already juggling the everyday challenges and demands of complex agricultural businesses, many will look to a trusted source for guidance before branching into the carbon market.”
The Environmental Plantings Toolkit consists of six modules, providing an overview of the carbon credit scheme, details on eligibility criteria for participation, a detailed look at the lifecycle of an environmental plantings project, and other crucial information for landholders considering entering the carbon market.
To access the Environmental Plantings Toolkit, go to: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/landcare-carbonsmart/environmental-plantings-toolkit-for-landholders/
For more information on the Country Road Climate Fund, go to: https://www.countryroad.com.au/climatefund/
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