Farmers get climate savvy through government-backed carbon advice project

More than 120 farmers across New South Wales are working with experts to develop plans designed to understand, manage, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their property, as part of a joint state and federal government climate initiative.

The free On-Farm Carbon Advice project helps farmers in the state’s extensive beef, sheep, dairy, and mixed agriculture industries to understand where their emissions are coming from and what practices they can use to reduce them.

The tailored plans include detailed breakdowns of annual on-farm emissions and cover everything from livestock management, cropping, fertiliser use, plant protection products, fuel, and energy.

The plans also produce an estimate of emission intensity, provide practical information on mitigation strategies, and mapping of a farm’s natural assets.

The four-year project will end in June and aims to help develop plans for 150 farms.

“These plans offer a comprehensive tool, providing farmers with a clearer understanding of their specific emissions profiles and how they compare with their peers,” said Tara Moriarty, NSW state minister for agriculture.

“It will help farmers meet the emerging demand, from their supply chains and customers, for low carbon produce, and secure their market access into the future. It will also highlight opportunities … to participate in carbon markets.

Fleur Tonge, a dairy farmer in the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales, said that the “time and effort” of working with carbon experts has empowered farmers.

“These reports are presented in an easy-to-understand manner with sound data and recommendations. It is an issue that needed to be addressed, and we feel far more confident of how our farm is performing now,” Tongue said.