To sell a credit, or keep it? That is the question…
I’ve seen a lot of media recently reporting that various groups recommend farmers keep their credits. I have no problem with that if that is what the farmer wishes. However, it does imply that one must get a credit (an Australian Carbon Credit Unit, or ACCU).
I maintain that farmers should arm themselves with enough knowledge and understanding about both processes to make up their own minds. Freedom of choice.
Consider this scenario
Calculating likely sequestration:
A farmer decides to explore and go through the process of earning an ACCU. They negotiate with a carbon project service provider to ensure flexibility in the sales of the ACCUs.
They make a carbon farm plan and decide on 50 ha of tree planting and 100 ha of soil carbon improvement (2 projects).
As part of the planning process, the project partner ascertains the likely ACCUs which can be earnt. By tonnes. They also determine likely on-ground costs. Our farmer then does some back-of-the-envelope figures using three price points for carbon to get an idea of the gross margin that could be made.
He or she also takes note of probable co-benefits – better soil structure, better water holding capacity, better shade, and shelter in a warming climate. AND the potential for biodiversity credits.
Vs calculating emissions:
Meanwhile, he or she also decides to get a ‘farm carbon footprint’ done, using a reputable emissions calculator. Or perhaps they decide to explore the Australian-approved carbon-neutral path.
The farmer is then able to compare the two scenarios.
They see that it is quite possible to be carbon positive – i.e., they are either already storing more carbon than they are emitting or, given an extra small planting, they could be.
Our farmer concludes… it may be possible to earn and sell his ACCUs as well as keep sufficient carbon on farm to ensure he is a net sink. BINGO!
The farmer decides to investigate more fully by attending the Inaugural Nature-Based Solutions Conference & Expo in Brisbane in July. Having attended our other carbon farming conferences, he or she knows there will be plenty of experts there to answer all questions, as well as learn the latest on the markets.
See you there!
We are also very proud to announce our fabulous Gala Dinner Speaker
Matthew Evans is a former chef and food critic turned Tasmanian smallholder. He fattens pigs, milks a cow, tends a garden, and writes about food from his office on Fat Pig Farm.
He’s the author of over a dozen books on food, including SOIL: the incredible story of what keeps the Earth, and us, healthy. Matthew is big on sustainability, and that all begins with the treatment of soil.
We can’t wait to hear his perspective and join old friends (and new) at THE social event of the conference, the Nature-Based Solutions Conference Gala Dinner! Until then,
Onwards!
Expert, independent knowledge on how to access carbon and biodiversity markets. Register now for Early Bird rates!
Monday 17–Wednesday 19 July 2023