
1. Carbon Farming in Australia
Carbon farming is a broad term referring to a range of practices that enhance or maintain carbon in vegetation and
By Alex Baumber, Amanda Scott, Rebecca Cross, Peter Ampt, Cathy Waters, Jen Ringbauer, Bella Bowdler, Lorraine Gordon, Andres Sutton and Graciela Metternicht
Many landholders are becoming interested in enhancing soil carbon for a range of reasons – including government net-zero targets, private sector interest in offsetting emissions, new carbon farming methodologies and rising prices for Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs).
There is also a growing recognition that collaboration could help overcome some of the barriers to entry to carbon markets, including include small property sizes, high setup costs, complex regulations and uncertain markets. However, collaboration also presents challenges of its own, including understanding the different models – from formal options like co-operatives to informal arrangements that involve information-sharing.
The aim of this guide is to demystify these collaboration options. It was informed by more than 50 interviews across Australia with government agencies, carbon service providers, landholder groups, researchers and experts in carbon markets. It is not intended as legal or financial advice.
The guide is focused on two specific aspects of carbon farming:
If you are after a broader overview of different carbon farming practices and methodologies or a more detailed background on carbon credits, we recommend A Farmer’s Handbook to On-farm Carbon Management, developed by CarbonCount for AgriFutures Australia. It includes a list of the carbon service providers operating in Australia who can help landholders to set up projects.
Links to other resources for information or support are provided in each section of the guide below.
The full report can be accessed here.
Carbon farming is a broad term referring to a range of practices that enhance or maintain carbon in vegetation and
Due to the depleted carbon levels of many soils across Australia, opportunities exist to sequester carbon in soils through changes
The interviews undertaken for this guide highlighted a range of ways in which collaboration between landholders could enhance the benefits
The three case studies presented here highlight the diversity of models and stakeholder groups that could become involved in collaborative
Through the interviews and workshops that were undertaken with farmers, landholder groups, government agencies, carbon service providers and various experts
For landholders thinking of establishing a formal collaborative business structure to undertake carbon farming, there are a range of legal
General carbon farming resources A Farmer’s Handbook to On-farm Carbon Management, CarbonCount Clean Energy Regulator – methods, tools and case
Collaboration can be a powerful tool, enabling primary producers to work together and enhance their business position by creating opportunities