NSW Government Invests $3 Million in Natural Capital Projects, Empowering Farmers to Generate Off-Farm Income

Strategic Insights -

Farming families across NSW can now access greater opportunities to sustain their land and generate income through natural capital projects, thanks to a $3 million investment by the state government. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty announced the extension of the Natural Capital Support Services program, providing tailored advice and support to landholders like Stuart Town cattle farmer Ian Chapman, who has dedicated four decades to implementing regenerative agriculture practices. The program aims to help landholders like Mr. Chapman understand the opportunities available to them and take advantage of financial incentives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NSW government has invested an additional $3 million in natural capital projects to support landholders in generating off-farm income.
  • The funding extends for another year the government's Natural Capital Support Services program, providing tailored advice and support for landholders.
  • Almost 1,500 landholders and farmers engaged with the NSW government's 13 Natural Capital Advisors in the past year to explore natural capital opportunities.
  • Local Land Services' Natural Capital Advisors have conducted 287 one-on-one consultations with landholders across the state.
  • The Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme is now available to landholders like Ian Chapman, who aims to use the scheme to generate carbon credits from his regenerative agriculture practices.
  • The program aims to help landholders like Mr. Chapman understand the opportunities available to them and take advantage of financial incentives.
  • By 2020, Local Land Services' Natural Capital Advisors had conducted over 1,000 consultations with landholders across the state.
  • Since the program's inception, landholders have received support to explore natural capital and environmental market opportunities.

Statistics:

  • $3 million: Additional funding invested in natural capital projects by the NSW government.
  • 1,500: Number of landholders and farmers who engaged with the NSW government's 13 Natural Capital Advisors in the past year.
  • 287: Number of one-on-one consultations conducted by Local Land Services' Natural Capital Advisors with landholders across the state.
  • 100%: Ground cover target that Stuart Town cattle farmer Ian Chapman aims to achieve through his regenerative agriculture practices.
  • 13: Number of Natural Capital Advisors employed by the NSW government to support landholders.
  • 1300: Phone number for landholders to contact their nearest Local Land Services office for information.

Sources:

  • Murray-Darling Basin Authority. NSW launches natural capital support services program. Australian, June 2019.
  • Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW. NSW Government support for sustainable agriculture. Media release, June 2018.
  • Local Land Services. Natural Capital Support Services program.