When considering carbon farming, look at your farm as a whole

But there is the future to think of as well. How will carbon farming evolve next? There is potential for doing more than just carbon. Or indeed, not doing carbon, but nature repair.

And ALSO, the question of regulation. If there is no engagement with the carbon markets within ag, i.e., if it’s not a net gain for governments to offer carbon markets to farmers, why wouldn’t they regulate? After all, the government has signed up to the methane pledge which means they want to reduce methane emissions across all sectors by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.

We also have the NZ example to be wary of. They are proposing to tax cow methane – some incentive! – which farmers would not like to see here.

We believe markets – or an income – work far better to incentivise change in the farming community.

Ask these of those you meet at the conference – we have many experts.

 1. Should I put my whole property into any one project?

We recommend looking at the property as a whole and ‘mapping out’ the best areas for any particular method. E.g., some areas may be better for a soil c project (for active farmers), others for a tree planting project, and other areas for biodiversity. It could be bought into annual planning.

2. Is there potential for a rolling income if I stagger projects?

E.g., Put one soil c project in covering a part of the farm, and if it’s going well, put another in (say) 2 years later – taking advantage of lessons learned and also potentially an income for longer.

3. Do I need a carbon project partner or can I go it alone? If going with a project partner it is worth asking:

• Does the company hold the required Australian Financial Services Licence and are they signatories to the CMI Code of Conduct? This code ensures the company has signed up to be transparent and fair in their dealings
• When will I first be paid? What are my upfront costs?
• What will that amount be? How is it calculated?
• How will the payments come after that? E.g., Yearly or less often?
• How long does the contract with the partner company last?

You need to know what your obligations are – both to the Regulator and to the service provider if you are using one. These are all tied up with the method, which must be followed.

And of course, managing risk.

3 days, LOADS of education. Plenty to eat and drink and all the experts in one room – what more could you want? Now just 2 weeks away!

Don’t miss out, register now for the inaugural Nature-Based Solutions Conference & Expo!

P.S. To get a sneak peek at one of our Soil Carbon presentations, have a look here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2023-06-24/aus-farmers-to-earn-money-from-soil-carbon-under-new-methods/102213244

Want to talk with these fellows? Come on down (or up) to the conference! Get up close and personal.