Clean Energy Future

Researchers inspect an automated system that samples emissions year-round. Image courtesy of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

More than 100 research and demonstration projects across Australia will share in $72.5 million as part of the Government’s first round of Filling the Research Gap and Action on the Ground grants.

“The 117 projects cover a range of areas, including reducing emissions from livestock and cropping, through to on-farm trials of practices and technologies to help land managers become more sustainable and resilient,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig said.

“The funding for these projects is an investment in the future of Australia’s agriculture sector and provides opportunities for farmers to diversify their income.”

The Filling the Research Gap program will invest $47.3 million into 58 projects in five key research areas including reducing methane emissions (from livestock and manure), reducing nitrous oxide emissions (from fertilisers and soils), increasing soil carbon and improving modelling capability.

The Action on the Ground program will invest $25.2 million into 59 projects involving 424 properties around the country. These projects will trial and demonstrate a range of on-farm technologies and innovative practices that store carbon, reduce or mitigate emissions of nitrous oxide and methane and improve farm productivity.

Minister Ludwig said almost 500 applications had been received for the two programs.

“Australian farmers, landholders and agri-researchers all see the value of supporting research projects that will build the foundation of the long term new economy for Australian agriculture,” he said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Mark Dreyfus said the grants were part of the Government’s land sector package.

“The Land Sector Package is delivering for rural and regional Australia by offering farmers and landholders the chance to earn income through the Carbon Farming Initiative with approved projects designed to cut dangerous greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Dreyfus said.

For more information on the successful projects visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s website.