Growing soil health through Climate-Smart Agriculture

Improving farm sustainability is the focus of two new grant projects announced today by the Albanese Government.

$8.4 million will go toward soil capacity building via the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program funded through the Natural Heritage Trust.

The funding will be split between two initiatives: $6.2 million to universities and grower groups to continue the national network of Regional Soil Coordinators, and $2.2 million to Soil Science Australia to deliver the National Soils Community of Practice.

The Regional Soil Coordinators will support the delivery of integrated and targeted soils services to farmers and communities, broker partnerships with industry and stakeholders and provide networks for researchers, primary producers, First Nations peoples and community groups to work together.

The Soil Community of Practice will facilitate soil extension services and networks, sharing innovative soil science information and tools to improve sustainable soil management practices.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said that these latest investments are important contributions toward a healthy, long-term future for the sector.

“The Albanese Government continues to work closely with farmers, land managers, industry and rural communities to support the transition to a sustainable agricultural model,” Minister Watt said.

“Healthy and fertile soil is critical to sustainability, improving the productivity and profitability of the agriculture industry, and delivering wider community and environmental benefits.”

“These capacity building grants will build on the success of existing sustainable agriculture initiatives, enabling sections within the agricultural community to access the latest climate-smart and sustainable agriculture approaches, and inform decisions to strengthen the sustainability of their farming operations,” Minister Watt said.

These grants will support the Climate Smart Agriculture Program’s outcomes, to drive agricultural sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness by supporting the agriculture sector and farmers to: 
•    Adopt practices to reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change.
•    Harness carbon and biodiversity incentives and implement industry sustainability frameworks.
•    Drive agricultural growth, while adopting sustainable natural resource management practices that protect and conserve natural capital and biodiversity.