THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Innovation
MEDIA RELEASE
SUPPORT TO FAST TRACK THE DEVELOPMENT OF CARBON FARMING METHODOLOGIES
The Federal Government today published draft funding guidelines for the development of carbon farming methodologies.
“Industry and Indigenous groups and other methodology developers will soon be able to access funding to develop methodologies for use under the Carbon Farming Initiative,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus.
The Carbon Farming Initiative allows farmers and land managers to earn and sell carbon credits, creating extra income, by storing carbon or reducing greenhouse gas emissions on the land. These credits can then be sold to people and businesses wishing to offset their emissions.
“Carbon estimation methodologies are needed so farmers can measure pollution reduction when they undertake approved carbon farming projects. Every tonne of pollution measured and verified can earn a carbon credit that can be sold under the Carbon Farming Initiative.
This funding will help to fast track the development of these methodologies,” said Mr Dreyfus.
“Farming organisations and Indigenous groups are coming up with innovative ideas for reducing greenhouse gas pollution. We want to support this innovation and build on Australia’s impressive research record in this area.”
Stakeholders will have three weeks to comment on the draft guidelines. Final guidelines will be released in May 2012.
Draft guidelines for both programs are available on the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website at: www.climatechange.gov.au/cfi.
THURSDAY, 12 APRIL 2012
