12 April 2013

2 minute read

Oceania

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, announced that 24 projects would share in A$20 million under the Gillard Government’s Carbon Farming Futures Extension and Outreach Program.

“These grants will be used by organisations to provide clear and credible information to farmers and land managers about how they can reduce emissions on farm and participate in the Carbon Farming Initiative,” Minister Ludwig said.

Minister Ludwig visited Breeza Plains where he announced that the Cotton Research and Development Corporation would receive nearly A$1.4 million to provide information for cotton and grain growers on climate change science and how farming practices can reduce emissions and sequester carbon in soil.

“The Gillard Government is already investing in research and trialling the techniques in the farm environment, and these grants share the how-to information with farmers,” Minister Ludwig said.

“The Extension and Outreach projects will help people learn how to integrate greenhouse gas emissions management into their normal business and land management practices.

“The funding supports a range of activities that will ultimately see farmers and landholders participate in the Carbon Farming Initiative, which could see them earn a second income stream.”

Extension and Outreach projects will support sector-specific projects, including in the livestock, dairy, horticulture, cotton and grains industries, as well as projects targeting specific audiences, including fertiliser users and young farmers.

Applications for the Extension and Outreach Program are open until April 2016, while funds remain. Funding priorities and the phase 2 assessment cut-off date will be announced shortly.

For more information about the program, as well as a list successful projects, visit the website.

TheCattleSite News Desk