Applications for Round 2 of the Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot open today on the National Stewardship Trading Platform.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said more farmers across Australia can take advantage of the opportunity to be paid for biodiversity in combination with planting trees for carbon gains.
“I’m excited to announce applications are now open for farmers in six new Natural Resource Management regions for the C+B Pilot, using our new trading platform. Applications open 16 December and will close 3 March 2022,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Up to $18.8 million is available to farmers who deliver biodiversity outcomes through the Pilot.
“Under the Pilot farmers who plant native trees and shrubs in line with a biodiversity protocol may be able to receive payments. These payments will be in addition to earnings a landholder might receive from selling the carbon credits associated with those trees.
“The first round of this pilot showed that there is a real opportunity. Farmers are keen to sell, and there are willing buyers.”
The Australian Government’s National Stewardship Trading Platform will make it easier for farmers to plan their projects and also sell biodiversity and carbon outcomes to the private market.
“Farmers can plan projects and submit their applications through the easy-to-use planning tool and advertise projects on the platform, while buyers will be able to list what they are looking to buy,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The trading platform will help farmers sell biodiversity and carbon services by connecting them directly with buyers.
“This pilot and the trading platform will help farmers get recognised and rewarded for the environmental work they do and create a new income.
“The trading platform is a component of the Australian Government’s $66.1 million Agriculture Biodiversity Stewardship Package, creating a foundation for a voluntary biodiversity market. We have also commenced consultation on legislation to further support the development of a national biodiversity stewardship market.”
The Australian Government is working in partnership with natural regional management organisations. Interested farmers in eligible regions can contact their local natural resource management organisation to receive support for the application process and establishing a project.
Fast Facts:
- Applications for Round 2 of the C+B Pilot are open now and close on 3 March 2022.
- Eligible regions are:
- Fitzroy Basin in QLD
- Riverina in NSW
- Goulburn Broken in Vic
- Southern in Tasmania
- Northern and Yorke in SA
- South Coast in WA
- Under the C+B Pilot, farmers who plant native trees and shrubs, in line with a biodiversity protocol developed by the Australian National University, may receive payments for biodiversity outcomes.
