A WORKSHOP has been planned in Gloucester next month for local landholders keen to learn more about the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme.

“The carbon and farming space can be daunting and many farmers are curious about all things carbon,” said local farmer and chair of the Gloucester District Pastoral Association, Cam Laurie.

The workshop, ‘Carbon-Beyond the Dollars’ will be held at the Gloucester Golf Club on 2 November, conducted by local farmers, Landcare and Local Land Services.

The ACCU initiative supports projects that avoid the release of greenhouse gas emissions or remove and sequester carbon from the atmosphere.

Projects can be in several areas such as agriculture, transport or forestry and can involve changing management practices or installing new or upgraded technology to reduce emissions.

Participants can earn an ACCU for every tonne of emissions stored or avoided by a project.

ACCUs can be sold to private sector buyers and governments to generate income.

The Australian Government purchases ACCUs through carbon abatement contracts.

Organisers say the workshop will benefit any landholder interested in exploring the role of carbon in the water cycle and the benefits to their farm from carbon in their soils.

Participants will hear from internationally renowned soil microbiologist Walter Jehne, with ground-level insights from landholders Nick Blomfield and Janne and Lindy Ryan.

After the talks there will then be a series of ‘fire-side’ chats, with the audience being split into three groups that rotate to discuss different topics.

“At the end of the day each group will come together for a final round of Q & A with speakers available to answer questions,” said Mr Laurie.

“Our aim is to have a day which empowers farmers to realise new income streams, increase capital value as well as improve productivity and profitability.”
This event is ticketed.

By John WATTS