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Is measuring carbon good for business?

The SQNNSW Innovation Hub partnered with North West Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF) to deliver two events in Moree and Tamworth in November 2024.

The purpose of these events was to provide producers, advisors, industry and others along the supply chain with the latest information, knowledge and skills on measuring carbon. This supports participants' ability to make informed decisions in line with sustainability frameworks, industry regulations and standards, as well as identifying opportunities to access desired markets, ultimately improving sustainable management practices, profitability and productivity. 

Event Goals

Planning and organisation in the months prior was a priority with event partners and the LLS engagement team. First and foremost, organisers wanted the target audience to extend to not only growers but bankers, advisors, industry, scientists, NGOs and other government representatives.

Speakers were of high calibre, respected in their field and able to deliver the most up-to-date and relevant information. There were  ample opportunities for engagement and networking, and the events were professionally filmed and photographed, allowing information and advice presented to be disseminated to a wide audience.

Discovering opportunities that exist in carbon farming was a highlight for many, including how understanding and managing agricultural emissions and carbon sequestration strategies can benefit farming businesses.

43% of attendees responded to the event evaluation survey. Of those respondents, 100% reported an increase in their knowledge, confidence and skills from the topics presented and 98% reported that the events were relevant to their needs.

Feedback from attendees echoed the vision and goals for the events with many commenting on the quality of speakers, the organisation, messaging and the opportunities for networking and engagement.

“Great speaker lineup, well organised and well run event, great mix of information” commented a Tamworth attendee.

Highlights from attendees included learning about ways soil carbon monitoring will be integrated with supply chains and the importance of measuring and tracking one’s carbon emissions and soil carbon on farm to inform better practices. Attendees also commented on the important reminder of collecting and recording data and how  Scopes 1, 2 and 3 relate to and impact their farming businesses.

“The perspective of the corporates, along with the lived experience of the farmer and the chances for networking were highlights for me”, commented a Moree attendee.

Event Messages

From the topics presented, key take home messages included: 

  • Although producers are questioning why measuring carbon may or may not be good for business, many are already undertaking practices that sequester carbon and reduce emission. This can include selection of good genetics, turning cattle off early, improving groundcover, improving species diversity, planned grazing and reducing inputs.
  • There is no one ‘best path’ to reducing emissions. Many factors come into play including risk appetite, motivation, succession and farming business structure amongst others.
  • You can’t manage what you don’t measure!

Participant Actions

Actions identified by participants in the future as a result of these events included:

  • Calculate emissions/carbon footprint
  • Improve knowledge and seek out peers
  • Extend new information to producers and advisors
  • Soil testing and monitoring
  • Consider natural capital audits
  • Review grazing practices – more water and wire

“Great to have banks presenting alongside scientists, brought validity to the whole day. Range of information from schematic fundamentals thru to new and emerging opportunities”, noted a Tamworth attendee.

As a result of the events, several Local Land Services regions in NSW are now delivering very similar events based on the model used by the North West LLS region. Lana presented to the NSW/ACT SAFs at their monthly meeting outlining how the events were organised and delivered. Many on social media praised the events, with a great deal of interest from attendees and also those who couldn’t attend – who can access the videos recorded of all presentations.

Filmed Presentations

Further information

Pip Jones – North West NSW Node Manager, SQNNSW Innovation Hub - pip.jones@lls.nsw.gov.au

Lana Andrews – North West Local Land Services - lana.andrews@lls.nsw.gov.au