Carbon projects and agriculture: questions before committing

Start with the property plan

A carbon project should be assessed alongside the way the property will be used and managed. The first question is whether a proposed project supports that plan, and what it may limit or require over time.

Understand what creates a credit

Improving land condition and earning a carbon credit are different things. Under Australia's ACCU Scheme, crediting depends on the applicable method, project eligibility and compliance requirements. A management change does not automatically generate units.

Look beyond the headline revenue

Before committing, assess establishment and ongoing costs, measurement requirements, responsibilities and the consequences for future management. Understand who controls the project, who bears its obligations and how any revenue is shared.

Brampton's approach

We consider carbon opportunities where they suit the country and the agricultural business. They must be assessed on their own merits and fit a long-term property plan. We do not assume environmental revenue makes a development worthwhile. How that fits with the rest of the work is described in what we do.

Can better land management automatically earn ACCUs?

No. Eligibility and crediting depend on the applicable scheme and method requirements. Seek project-specific advice before making management changes on the assumption they will generate credits.

Related reading

• Soil carbon in grazing country: potential and limits
• What we do

Sources

• Clean Energy Regulator, Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme
• Clean Energy Regulator, ACCU Scheme methods

This is an explanatory article, not advice about a specific project. Scheme rules change; check the current requirements with the Clean Energy Regulator and a qualified adviser.