Australian farmers are set to tackle emissions from the ground up, with a free guide to develop and implement sustainable practices on farms.
The Towards Net Zero Agriculture Pathfinder (Pathfinder), a joint initiative by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and CSIRO, is a practical guide to help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining productivity and competitiveness.
Farmers, managers, and advisers can use the tool to explore and adopt sustainable practices suited to their business mix and farm management goals.
CEFC Head of Natural Capital, Heechung Sung, highlighted the innovative approach, saying, "Pathfinder exemplifies the power of science and finance working hand-in-hand to help Australian farmers address climate challenges.
"It empowers farmers with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions tailored to their operations, whether optimising fertiliser use or adopting methane-reducing pasture species.
"Including CEFC-backed discounted finance-eligible activities, such as feed supplements, fertiliser optimisation, and carbon-sequestering plantings, also aims to bridge a critical gap for farmers keen to invest in sustainable practices," Ms Sung said.
CSIRO Towards Net Zero lead Dr Michael Battaglia said: "Agriculture contributes billions to Australia's GDP, but to stay competitive and meet climate targets, we need new ways to enable our farmers to act - both on farms and in markets.
"We must create pathways to help farmers deliver their low-emissions commodities into sustainability-focused supply chains.
"This needs to be a team game. By integrating environmental sustainability with financial viability, this collaboration helps to create a pathway for a prosperous, net zero agriculture sector."
Pathfinder also equips farmers with the knowledge to establish an emissions baseline, a key step in sustainability reporting.
Ms Sung emphasised that: "Producers who can demonstrate their emissions reductions will have greater access to premium markets and competitive financing. As global supply chains demand higher transparency, these baselines will maintain market access and secure new opportunities."
Potential borrowers are encouraged to use Pathfinder for information on investments that might be eligible for CEFC-backed discounted finance.
About Pathfinder:
Pathfinder is a practical, evidence-based resource detailing both known and emerging methods to reduce on-farm emissions across broadacre and livestock. It equips farmers with support and strategies to adopt lower-emissions options, and adjust activities that are essential to on-farm practice, including:
- Variable rate (VR) technologies: optimising fertiliser and lime application by combining paddock spatial variability with GPS technology and VR input controllers to improve yield, soil quality and reduce costs
- Pasture rejuvenation: using certain legume and herb species, which can help reduce livestock methane emissions, and fertility as well as improve forage quality, feed efficiency and soil condition
- Permanent plantings: sequestering carbon while providing windbreaks, shade and shelter for livestock, and habitat for native animals and birds
- Feed supplements: Incorporating methane-reducing feed additives, such as asparagopsis seaweed, to lower livestock methane emissions while maintaining animal health and productivity.
Pathfinder also addresses land-use changes like reforestation, supporting carbon sequestration and broader environmental benefits.
Additional guidance on 'technology stacking' demonstrates how combining selected emission reduction strategies can deliver additional sustainability benefits.
Establishing an emissions baseline:
Pathfinder includes practical guidance about why and how to establish an emissions baseline, including information on readily available online tools. Simplified calculations explain how to estimate avoided emissions. Emissions baselines are of increasing importance to consumers, producers, and investors as they shift their focus to sustainability and the risks of climate change.
Farmers who can demonstrate how they are reducing emissions are more likely to maintain access to existing and new markets as well as finance from banks and investors.
