The danger of ‘wait and see’ carbon strategies in agriculture
When you’re in the thick of any particular industry, it’s difficult to see how the ‘average Joe’ views your little niche.
I’m finding it very true in the carbon project management sector, in which Carbon West has carved out a niche position. While there’s lively debate among carbon industry participants on a whole range of minutiae, things seem to have largely stood still in some industry sectors when it comes to carbon storage projects.
Is the average farmer more aware now of their carbon industry opportunities than they were 3 or 4 years ago? Have the government’s ‘carbon farming’ awareness-raising efforts had any impact? I don’t know.
What I do know is that Carbon West clients – those who now own and operate an ACCU Scheme carbon project, or who have commissioned a report on the specific opportunities their land presents – absolutely do have more knowledge of carbon farming than they had before. Not just about its implementation, but about its rewards, its challenges, and how it fits into the bigger picture.
They can see the global mechanisms that are incentivising positive action, and later, will create mandatory requirements on businesses to improve ecological outcomes for our planet.
Why wait and see is no longer a safe bet
I’m frustrated to be still attending events where large agricultural entities openly admit they’re not engaging in the carbon industry, stating they’re just going to “wait and see what happens”.
I often hear “We don’t have to do it” and “Agriculture will never be forced to offset our emissions”.
To them, I calmly answer, “Perhaps you’re right.”
The first statement is true – for now, but the second is not. While no Australian government has had the intestinal fortitude to enforce emissions reductions in agriculture, that fact is irrelevant. Global food processors are finding the guts to demand it.
It won’t be a government slap on the wrist dealt to laggards; it will be restricted access to markets. And that will sting those who don’t stand up and strive for better.
Those who act will be ready
I’ve been working with industry pioneers in Western Australia and across Australia for over 6 years. Those who engage, learn. Those who don’t will be dangerously unprepared for when the government is finally forced to bring out the stick to ensure practice change happens.
Some baby sticks are already being used in some industries. But many have skin too thick, or feel too safe, to feel the need to act.
Agriculture’s role in a low-carbon future
The road ahead will be rough if farmers don’t act to avoid a collision with the new ‘big picture’ reality. Without any doubt, mechanisms to drive action against environmental degradation are cranking up. From the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to new reporting requirements for businesses here in Australia on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) outcomes, the battle has begun.
Carbon is not going away.
As Samantha Jewel explains in her book, Carbon Is Not a Dirty Word, the drivers behind the carbon market are carefully constructed policies that are now being rolled out globally.
Carbon is not a dirty word. It’s a challenge, an opportunity and a necessity.
The three-letter acronym every farmer needs to know
While there are altogether too many acronyms in this world, MRV is one everyone must learn.
Measurement. Reporting. Verification.
Measure what you do, report it according to respected protocols and use a verification system with scientific rigour and solid peer review.
That is how the verified carbon project methodologies roll. Don’t miss the opportunities now available to farmers. Once the stick comes out, they’ll be gone.
How Carbon West can support your transition
Carbon West monitors carbon news and analysis on a daily basis. We see what’s coming in agriculture and exist to help farmers learn about carbon farming and guide their engagement (if it is viable for them to do so).
We don’t seek to own any carbon credits and are one of very few companies working in carbon that don’t.
We aim to help landholders generate units of currency they might not even fully understand the true value of yet.
With Carbon West, the business relationship is assessed annually, not set in stone for a quarter of a century.
Our fee-for-service model aims to deliver quality services, as required, based on mutual respect and ongoing re-engagement.
What we can and can’t guarantee
Sadly, we can’t guarantee the success of any carbon project.
We don’t pretend to know everything. We can’t prescribe a failsafe agronomic program for storing more carbon in soils, or ensure it rains so that a well-planned tree planting project thrives.
But we can ensure that if well-planned projects, run by well-informed and motivated land managers, do succeed, carbon credits will be generated as an added benefit of their actions.
Join the future thinkers - and shape what’s next
Carbon West strives to work with more future-thinking land managers who are prepared to stand up and be counted in the transition ahead.
We aim to expand our vibrant Project Owners Community, which meets annually to share ideas, experiences and learning.
We are ready to support your transition – and ensure you are justly rewarded for taking early action.
Explore the opportunities available to you with an ACCU Scheme Carbon Opportunities Report or view our full range of services.
Please reach out to us to discuss your questions, ideas and/or hopes for how you might avoid a collision with what’s ahead for all land managers.