New methodology could see dairy farmers turn manure into income
A new carbon farming methodology could soon see dairy producers earn carbon credits under the Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI), by capturing and destroying harmful greenhouse gases released by cow manure.
The methodology, if approved, will reward dairy farmers who take steps to capture methane and generate renewable energy.
Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Mark Dreyfus said the methodology offered a new way for dairy farmers to earn tradeable carbon credits and also provides an opportunity to cut power bills by turning gas into a source of electricity or heat.
The methodology had the potential to deliver both economic and environmental benefits to regional communities.
The Government strongly urges all dairy farmers around Australia to participate in the consultation process and to take advantage of the opportunities that the carbon price will provide for their businesses and operations.
To minimise any increases in electricity costs, many dairies are already exploring steps to improve energy efficiency or shift to renewable sources of power. Dairy farmers will be excluded from paying a direct carbon price on their emissions when the carbon price starts on 1 July.
The Government is providing $1 million to Dairy Australia to provide energy efficiency advice to around 900 dairy farms Australia-wide, which Dairy Australia says will save dairies $1.5 million a year.
Under the Government’s $1 billion Clean Technology Investment Program, dairy companies are among the first recipients of grants which will assist with investment in new energy efficient manufacturing equipment and processes.
For more information on the draft methodology and CFI visit the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.
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