The Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot is trialling arrangements to reward farmers for improving on-farm biodiversity together with carbon projects under the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF). 

The Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot is part of the wider $34 million commitment of the Australian Government to biodiversity stewardship on farms. The Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot is being developed with the Australian National University (ANU).

Under the pilot, farmers who plant native trees – in line with a biodiversity protocol developed by the ANU – will receive payments for biodiversity outcomes. These payments will be in addition to earnings a landholder might receive for their carbon abatement.

Eligible activities will build on ERF carbon projects.

Examples could include:

• Planting, managing and looking after vegetation
• Regenerating gullies, waterways and degraded hillsides

These plantings can also benefit farmers by providing shelter for livestock, improving soil moisture and reducing erosion. 

Enquiries about the program can be directed to agstewardship@awe.gov.au. You can also call 1800 329 055.

If you want to be notified of future developments, send an email to agstewardship@awe.gov.au.

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