AUSTRALIAN farmers are set to tackle emissions from the ground up, with a free guide to develop and implement sustainable practices on farms.
The Towards Net Zero Agriculture Pathfinder is a joint initiative by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and CSIRO and is designed to be a practical guide to help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining productivity and competitiveness.
Farmers, managers, and advisers can use the tool to explore and adopt sustainable practices suited to their business mix and farm management goals.
CEFC head of natural capital Heechung Sung said the innovative approach 'exemplified' the power of science and finance working together.
"Pathfinder operates hand-in-hand to help Australian farmers address climate challenges," Ms Sung said.
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“It empowers farmers with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions tailored to their operations, whether optimising fertiliser use or adopting methane-reducing pasture species.
“CEFC-backed discounted finance-eligible activities, such as feed supplements, fertiliser optimisation, and carbon-sequestering plantings, bridge a critical gap for farmers keen to invest in sustainable practices.”
CSIRO Towards Net Zero lead Michael Battaglia said agriculture contributed billions to Australia’s GDP.
"To stay competitive and meet climate targets, we need new ways to enable our farmers to act, both on farms and in markets," Dr Battaglia said.
“We must create pathways to help farmers deliver their low-emissions commodities into sustainability-focused supply chains.
"By integrating environmental sustainability with financial viability, this collaboration helps to create a pathway for a prosperous, net zero agriculture sector.
"This needs to be a team game."
Pathfinder also equips farmers with the knowledge to establish an emissions baseline, a key step in sustainability reporting.
Ms Sung said producers who demonstrated their emissions reductions would have greater access to premium markets and competitive financing and that potential borrowers were encouraged to use Pathfinder for finding information on investments that might be eligible for CEFC-backed discounted finance.
"As global supply chains demand higher transparency, these baselines will maintain market access and secure new opportunities,” she said.
For more information and to test drive the Pathfinder tool, visit: www.cefc.com.au/pathfinder
