Australia launches guidelines for second phase of Carbon Farming Initiative

Source:Xinhua Published: 2013-5-1 16:14:44

Australian government has launched its guidelines for the second phase of Extension and Outreach of the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI), Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Joe Ludwig announced Wednesday.

The CFI is a voluntary carbon offset scheme that provides a financial incentive for farmers and land managers to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases or to sequester carbon in the landscape. Additionally, the CFI will increase the land sector's resilience to a changing climate, protect Australia's natural environment and enhance long-term farm productivity.

According to the Department of Agriculture, through the Extension and Outreach component of the CFI Program, A$64 million (almost $66.25 million) are being invested from 2011-12 to 2011-17 to assist farmers and land managers to participate in land sector emissions reduction activities and the CFI.

The guidelines will help farmers and landholders access the CFI. "The second phase of extension and outreach will target sugar and horticulture industries, as well as the commercial forestry and plantation timber industries," Minister Ludwig said.

"These are all sectors in agriculture that can reap the benefits of the Carbon Farming Initiative. By targeting this funding phase towards them it means they won't be left behind in the low carbon economy," he said.

According to him, the Carbon Farming Initiative is part of the government's A$1.7 billion (almost $1.75 billion) Land Sector Package. "It builds on Australian agriculture's strong foundation and prepares it for the future," he said. "The CFI is a win-win for Australian farmers, who can reduce their emissions, lower their costs and gain a second income stream under the program."

Minister Ludwig announced the outcomes of the first phase of the Extension and Outreach Program on April 10, 2013. In this assessment phase, the program invested in 24 projects across Australia valued at A$21.3 million (almost $22.05 million).

This funding is supporting sector-specific projects, including livestock, dairy, horticulture, cotton and grains industries, as well as projects targeting specific audiences, including fertilizer users and young farmers.
Posted in: Asia-Pacific

blog comments powered by Disqus