New round of projects for sustainable ag
The Albanese Labor Government is today opening a new round of Climate-Smart Agriculture Program grants to encourage sustainable agriculture and natural resource management practices across Australia.
The Capacity Building Round 2 grants allow for a wide range of projects, with up to $16.58 million in funding available for projects of up to three years.
This funding forms part of the Albanese Labor Government’s $302.1 million investment into sustainable agriculture through the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
Previous projects have included agricultural organisation Stirlings to Coast Farmers setting up trials to increase nitrogen use efficiency and reduce grain crop carbon emissions.
The Climate-Smart Agriculture program aims to drive agricultural sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness by supporting farmers and the agricultural sector to:
- Adopt climate-smart practices that reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change
- Understand and benefit from participation in carbon and biodiversity markets
- Apply natural resource management and farming practices that improve soil health and protect natural capital and biodiversity.
A full list of eligible activities can be found in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines. Eligible activities may include:
- Promoting and engaging youth, women and community involvement and leadership in sustainable agriculture
- Measuring and demonstrating sustainability credentials
- Applied research, demonstration, pilot and trial sites that lead to climate-smart sustainable agriculture outcomes.
The Capacity Building Round 2 grant opportunity opens on 18 February 2025 and is open for project proposals between $250,000 and $3,000,000.
To find out more, visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/climate-smart.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
“Australian agriculture has a reputation internationally for environmental sustainability, but it’s important we find ways to improve and demonstrate our practices and not get complacent.
“Sustainability is a key focus for the Albanese Labor Government, as we find ways for the agriculture sector to embrace climate-smart farming without compromising on productivity.
"There is no one way to practice sustainable agriculture so I encourage farmers, communities and sustainable agriculture stakeholders to get involved and apply.”
Quotes attributable to Stirlings to Coast Farmers CEO Lizzie Von Perger:
“Our project from the last round of the Capacity Building grants will consist of four trials targeting different soil types.
“Each site will consist of at least 10 treatments looking at different cropping rotations and fertiliser strategies, with the aim of more sustainable nitrogen fertiliser use.
“Sustainable farming practices are crucial for the long-term viability of our farming community and agricultural landscapes.
“We’re working with local grower groups and rangers, so we can foster a community-based approach to sustainability.”