NSW Government Invests in Natural Capital Projects to Support Farmers

The Minns Labor Government in New South Wales has invested $3 million in the Natural Capital Support Services program, aimed at helping farmers improve their operations, profitability, and environmental sustainability. The program provides tailored advice and support for landholders to explore natural capital and environmental market opportunities, part of the government's plan to strengthen the state's $20 billion agriculture sector. Since July 2024, Local Land Services' natural capital advisors have engaged with 1,198 landholders, and 77% of participants reported increased knowledge of natural capital. The program is a key component of the government's strategy to futureproof the agriculture industry.

Key Takeaways:

• The NSW Government has invested $3 million in the Natural Capital Support Services program to support farmers in improving their operations, profitability, and environmental sustainability.
• The program provides tailored advice and support for landholders to explore natural capital and environmental market opportunities, a key component of the government's plan to strengthen the state's $20 billion agriculture sector.
• Since July 2024, Local Land Services' natural capital advisors have engaged with 1,198 landholders through 95 awareness-raising events and 287 one-on-one consultations.
• 77% of participants reporting increased knowledge of natural capital as a result of the program.
• The Natural Capital Support Services program aims to help farmers access environmental markets and apply for biodiversity credits to generate a potential income from natural capital projects.
• Central West landholder, Ian Chapman, has reported positive experiences with the program, citing the help of Local Land Services in identifying native plant communities and addressing waterlogged areas on his farm.
• The program is supported by Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, who stated that the NSW Government is committed to working with farmers to futureproof their operations while protecting the environment.

Statistics:

• $3 million investment in the Natural Capital Support Services program from the NSW Government.
• 1,198 landholders engaged with since July 2024 through awareness-raising events and one-on-one consultations.
• 95 awareness-raising events conducted by Local Land Services' natural capital advisors.
• 287 one-on-one consultations with landholders undertaken by the advisors.
• 77% of participants reporting increased knowledge of natural capital as a result of the program.
• 13 regional natural capital advisors working with Local Land Services.

Sources:

• NSW Government News Release