28th March 2023 | 

This month, we hosted two workshops on carbon farming and environmental markets.  The aim of these workshops was to facilitate discussion with farmers and experts in the field on how environmental markets work, and how we can make the most of them. 

We had some very interesting discussions around ethical & sustainable food production, the value of biodiversity on farms, biochar, taking a wholistic approach to farm carbon assessment and the importance of registration in the carbon assessment process.

Image: A farm walk and talk at West Pine Ag

In Penguin, we visited Hannah & Rob's farm nestled alongside the Dial Range to see how they redesigned some previously unusable slopes. With a strategic approach of dam removal, large scale weed removal, revegetation and careful grazing, the area has become productive while being a valuable habitat asset.

Image: Expert panel on hay bales at Sisters Creek 

At Redbank Farm at Sisters Creek we were hosted by the Nichols family with Michael Nichols joining the discussion panel. This was followed by a walk and talk at one of the many successful restoration sites that support the farm.

Each workshop included a panel discussion on how these markets work, what the benefits and drawbacks are, first hand experience from farmers who have traded in environmental markets, and practical tips for participating in these markets in a way that is meaningful to the farmer’s bottom line and the environment.

We had an expert panel including Andrew Ward from Regen Farmers Mutual, Angela Hawdon from Bush Heritage Australia - Farming for the Future, Rowan Eisner from the University of Tasmania, Michael Nichols from Redbank Farm, Rob Arvier and Hannah Lewis from West Pine Ag, and Jenny Sinclair from Green Collar., 

More resources 

We have recorded these panel Q&A sessions and will be uploading them as a resource. Keep an eye on our YouTube channel. 

• If you didn't make it and would like to checkout the workshop discussions, we have uploaded recordings of the Sister’s Creek and Penguin workshops for you. 
• Regen Farmers Mutual 
• Redbank Farm 
• Green Collar Carbon Services

These workshops are part of Landcare Tasmania’s Northern Slopes Landscape Project funded by the Tasmanian State Government Landcare Action Grants.