The future of carbon farming
CARBON farming is rapidly becoming a topic of interest for Australian almond growers . To meet the needs of sustainable farming in the future , it is important for growers to understand their carbon footprint now . In June , the ABA and Ag Integrity Alliance hosted a Carbon Footprint and Feasibility Workshop at the Loxton Hotel . The workshop was facilitated by agrienvironmental consulting experts , Integrity Agriculture and Environment . A total of 10 almond farming businesses were involved , with each business able to have up to two people attend . Prior to the workshop , each participant provided on-farm input data and were provided a report of their carbon footprint via a one-onone consult with Integrity Agriculture and Environment . On the day , Integrity Agriculture and Environment gave a diverse and informative presentation which began with a preliminary explanation of on-farm carbon emissions before proceeding to detailed discussions about reduction of emissions , carbon storage , carbon neutrality , and carbon markets . Attendees were engaged in the discussion surrounding these topics and were given ample opportunity to ask questions . The workshop was detailed ,
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The exercise of doing our carbon balance allowed us to give ourselves a bit of a benchmark to compare our progress to . This will allow us to highlight areas where we can improve , and show a level of improvement , year on year .
engaging , and provided plenty of food for thought surrounding reducing on-farm carbon emissions . Overall , participants felt that the workshop provided benefits to their business and increased their knowledge of carbon footprints . The workshop also highlighted the need for an established carbon benchmarking program in agriculture and to reduce the barriers around carbon-neutral certification . At present , cost is a significant barrier to obtaining carbon-neutral certification for Australian almond growers . However , this does not mean that almond growers do not have the capacity to develop carbonfriendly practices . CMV Farms director Ryan Norton attended the Carbon Footprint and Feasibility Workshop . “ What I learned from the workshop is that carbon benchmarking is a fair
- CMV Farms director Ryan Norton
way away and at present , there is no standard ," he said . " However , the exercise of doing our carbon balance allowed us to give ourselves a bit of a benchmark to compare our progress to . " This will allow us to highlight areas where we can improve and show a level of improvement , year on year . " Even if the calculations are not 100 % accurate , if the information is there , we can easily adjust it once a more accurate calculator or benchmarking system is produced .” While the need for an established benchmarking system is evident , by working to reduce their carbon emissions now , Australian almond growers can stay ahead of the curve . The Carbon Footprint and Feasibility workshop provided the ABA with insight into how they can support growers on their sustainability journey .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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