Carbon farming for primary producers
Consultation
PIRSA is currently updating the Carbon Farming Roadmap for South Australia 2022–26 and your input is sought.
A discussion paper has been prepared which:
- outlines the proposed scope of the roadmap update
- summarises the current state of carbon farming in South Australia
- identifies key challenges and opportunities for further consideration
- includes discussion questions to guide your feedback.
Your feedback
- Download the Carbon Farming Roadmap for South Australia – 2026 update consultation discussion paper.
- Prepare your feedback based around the discussion questions in the document (also below).
- Email your feedback to PIRSA.ClimateChange@sa.gov.au.
Discussion questions
To guide this consultation process, you are asked to review the following questions. These are proposed to begin more in-depth discussions based on your individual experiences.
- What is your current role within the carbon farming sector? What are the key priorities for your organisation in relation to carbon farming?
- Does the SA Carbon Farming Roadmap accurately represent current carbon farming activities? In what ways does it support your engagements in carbon farming?
- Where are the greatest opportunities for you to further engage with carbon farming activities and projects?
- What are the current barriers in participating in carbon farming activities or projects in South Australia?
- Who are the main enablers of your activities within carbon farming? What support can the SA Government provide to further enable carbon farming?
- Where do you access the majority of information regarding carbon farming currently and what communication methods and channels do you rely on?
- Based on the existing pillars and activities of the Carbon Farming Roadmap what should the key priorities of the SA Government include moving forward?
- Are co-benefits and biodiversity outcomes of carbon farming well represented in the Roadmap? Do these considerations impact your decision to participate in carbon farming?
Feedback must be received by 5 pm on 18 August 2026.
This consultation process will be run by PIRSA on behalf of the SA Government Carbon Farming Roadmap Working Group. Please note your information will not be shared, and any findings from your responses included in the SA Carbon Farming Roadmap Update will be consolidated and anonymised.
Carbon Farming Roadmap for South Australia 2022–2026
Carbon farming encompasses landscape, seascape, forestry, and livestock management activities that:
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and fertilisers
- enhance carbon sequestration (the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide) in soil, vegetation, and blue carbon ecosystems.
The South Australian Government is working with stakeholders to build the knowledge and capacity needed to increase carbon farming in our state. PIRSA will work with partners on implementing actions of the Carbon Farming Roadmap.
The roadmap guides the SA Government and private sector in understanding carbon farming, addressing risks and challenges, developing skills, and undertaking opportunities.
It invites existing and new partners to work together and grow investment in the sector.
Download the roadmap (PDF) Download the progress report (PDF)Carbon farming examples
Carbon farming projects are specific to the local context, considering your production systems, business or personal preferences, and the financial opportunities available.
It can be a single change in land management, or a combination of methods within an integrated plan. Consider the below examples of carbon farming for your farm.
Sequestration activities
Options include, but are not limited to:
- replanting native forests
- farm-based forestry – integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural systems to increase carbon storage
- cover cropping – planting cover crops like grasses and legumes between main crops to protect and enrich the soil
- reduced tillage – minimising soil disturbance to maintain soil structure and organic matter
- composting and mulching – adding organic matter to the soil to enhance carbon sequestration and improve soil health
- rotational grazing – moving livestock between pastures to allow vegetation to recover and sequester more carbon.
Emissions reduction activities
Options include, but are not limited to:
- reducing methane emissions from livestock
- managing manure
- reducing emissions from fertilisers.
Co-benefits and opportunities
Carbon farming has the ability to generate a range of co-benefits for landholders, primary producers, and regional communities.
Carbon farming can enhance:
- soil health
- soil organic matter (SOM) and soil organic carbon (SOC) levels
- water use efficiency and water retention, with less leaching of water and nutrients
- erosion control
- farm biodiversity – wildlife and soil microbial
- farm productivity and resilience.
Carbon farming may achieve:
- additional income through the Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCU)
- business financial diversity
- reduced input costs
- increased crop yields.
Find out more about how you can leverage your farmland.
Growing Carbon Farming Pilot
See the successful carbon farming projects highlighting co-benefits that are possible in multiple SA regions.
Carbon market opportunities
Learn how your farm can improve market access, access carbon offsets, and engage with emerging environmental markets.
Understand your carbon footprint
The first step in recognising your potential for carbon farming is to know the carbon footprint of your property.
Industry support
The Australian Government's Carbon Farming Outreach Program (CFOP) aims to:
- Support farmers and land managers to make decisions to reduce emissions and store carbon.
- Build capacity of trusted and independent advisers to deliver advice to farmers and land managers.
- Provide access to clear and culturally appropriate information on carbon farming.
The CFOP program includes a training package and grants for advisers to help farm businesses across Australia.