The Federal Government has released a new carbon farming methodology that promises dairy producers the ability to convert manure into carbon credits.

 

“This methodology offers a new way for dairy farmers to earn tradable carbon credits and also provides an opportunity to cut power bills by turning gas into a source of electricity or heat," said Mark Dreyfus, Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.

 

The system will involve placing a cover over manure ponds, which are commonly used by dairy farmers to manage liquid dairy manure produced by their operation.

 

The cover traps harmful methane and other gasses, allowing them to be burnt off or converted to be used by combustion engines and gas boilers, which generate electricity and heat.

 

Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean said the methodology had the potential to deliver both economic and environmental benefits to regional communities.

 

"Pricing carbon under the Government's Clean Energy Future Plan creates a market that rewards good behaviour - and regional communities can be big winners," said Mr Crean.

 

"Regional communities have determined "what" needs to be done to reduce their carbon footprint, and our programs are helping them with the "how".

 

 

The draft methodology, and further information on the Carbon Farming Initiative is available at www.climatechange.gov.au/cfi