Opportunity Too Big To Put Aside
29 July 2025. Michael Guerin, AgForce CEO.
It is an irrefutable matter of science that Agriculture, Forestry and Land Use Change contributes to carbon sequestration and emits greenhouse gas emissions.
In recognising this, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) developed the EX-Ante Carbon Balance Tool (EX-ACT) as an internationally recognised tool for estimating this at property level.
Augmenting this international framework is important in Australia, as is recognising our unique landscapes to ensure our story is recognised and respected around the world.
Why then are we in Australia even considering a draft Carbon Farming method known as the Improved Avoided Clearing of Native Regrowth (IACNR) Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI), as proposed by the previous Queensland State Government?
Not only is this counterproductive to improved climate and environmental outcomes and food security – but it also is not in line with the international standard – so Australia would be left stranded as an exporter of food.
AgForce is working hard to ensure the Federal Government’s Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) recognises the woeful inadequacies and serious manifestations of the IACNR method and has it thrown in the bin.
The opportunity here is that we instead pick up the EX-ACT model, augment it with the realities of the Australian landscapes and production methods and then we will have a world-leading framework that gives confidence in investment and a powerful underpinning for communities across Australia.
The 48th Federal Parliament is promising fundamental reform – using that intent to underpin food security and environment is where our greatest opportunity lies. AgForce is ready to roll up its sleeves and be a part of that solution.
https://agforceqld.org.au/knowledgebase/article/AGF-02579/