The Morrison government is eyeing an expanded soil carbon capture scheme so farmers can help Australia meet its emissions reduction targets, but experts warn any future policy should not reward poorly-performing farmers.
Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor is focused on bringing down the cost of measuring soil carbon to drive uptake of carbon capture, which he said could be a “game-changer”. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has flaggedis coming in the May federal budget, including a country-wide soil monitoring program and support for farmers to boost soil health.
The government’s current scheme only pays farmers for the carbon sequestration achieved after a deal is signed.“This doesn’t make sense to farmers,” Ms Simson said. “Those who’ve done the right thing and looked after their land aren’t rewarded as opposed to those who are still building off a low base.”
Dr Eckard said considerable work needed to be done to lower the cost of soil carbon measurement, and in the long term remote sensing using satellite data was likely the best option - although a lot more scientific research was needed to ensure it was accurate. Under the current scheme, farmers bear the risk and if they fail to deliver the volume of carbon sequestration stipulated in the deal, they’re liable for the cost. Most farms are too small to offer the scale government wants to invest in so aggregators act as middlemen to package deals from several farmers, but they take a cut of 10 per cent to 30 per cent or more.
micksfoley Hey why are there no replies on the story on Jodi McKay. Is it because it's simply a story and has no truth to it? No discussion looks sus so why are no comments allowed?