The second round of funding from the pioneering Western Australian Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program to help create more resilient, sustainable and profitable farming businesses is being launched at a forum in Perth today.
Round 1 saw 13 projects share in more than $3.6 million to encourage greater participation in the emerging WA carbon farming market.
73 farmers have also received vouchers of up to $10,000 to complete land management strategies that can support future applications.
Again, there are two categories of projects in Round 2: general vegetation and or soil carbon; and a special category for soil carbon projects in low rainfall areas.
There is also a simplified application process for projects under $250,000 to improve accessibility to the scheme.
A range of online resources is available to support farmers through the application process, while workshops, webinars and information sessions will be held in coming weeks to provide tips and advice on how to prepare a successful submission.
At today's forum renowned agricultural researcher and trainer, Terry McCosker, will deliver a keynote address on the importance of improving the soil biome for developing soil carbon, thriving ecosystems and to enhance agricultural production.
Forum participants will be updated on the progress of Round 1 initiatives, including Weelhamby Farm's integrated biodiversity revegetation at Perenjori and a biodiversity project on the Nannup Truffle Farm.
The WA Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program, an initiative of the State Climate Policy, supports the McGowan Government's commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.
For more Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program information, resources, workshop schedules and application details visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/CF-LRP.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"It is a great opportunity to support farmers who are embracing the opportunities carbon farming can offer to build resilience in the face of climate change.
"Round 1 funding is starting to hit the ground, as the successful applicants begin to implement their business plans and take up the opportunity to sequester carbon and secure carbon credits.
"These innovative farmers are paving the way for others to integrate carbon sequestration into their operations, examining options like revegetation and landscape rejuvenation, legume and pasture systems, alternative crop sequencing and new technologies.
"Each has a different motivation for embracing carbon projects: dealing with their carbon footprint, to enhance their business by generating carbon credits, improving soil health and mitigating salinity.
"It is very encouraging to see the increasing numbers of farmers wanting to explore these options."
