Rebates for farm offsets

CARBON offset is becoming a buzzword in the farming sector as primary producers look to develop income streams.

Primary Industries Guy Barnett said the government was helping them take advantage of opportunities with a $250,000 Carbon Farming Advice Rebate pilot program.

Northern Tasmania farmer Tim Reed is already trialling carbon positive initiatives such as planting perennial pastures – which draw carbon down into the soil faster than standard pasture – to feed his cattle.

The program will be aligned with the state’s Landcare action grants program, which has been expanded to include carbon farming. The government has also provided an extra $900,000 to continue the grants program until 2025.

Under the new program, primary producers will be able to claim a rebate of up to $10,000 for having sought professional advice about accessing carbon credits, auditing requirements and on-ground actions for carbon credits.

This will be complemented by the expanded Landcare Action Grants Program.

Workshops will be held to help landowners understand the carbon credit market and how to access help.

Dates and locations will be advertised on farmpoint.tas. gov.au this month and will roll out in October.