Project background
The Low Emissions Intensity Farming Systems (LEIFS) program aims to ensure that 80% of Australian grain production has a calculated emissions intensity by 2030.
Delivered in partnership by GRDC, CSIRO, and the state governments of Western Australia, New South Wales and South Australia, the program includes four core projects:
- Capturing Grower Value, led by CSIRO
- Data Analytics and Insights, led by CSIRO
- Accessible Greenhouse Gas Monitoring, led by CSIRO in collaboration with all 3 state governments
- Action Research Networks (ARNs), led by state government research bodies in each participating state
CSIRO also leads the overall Program Office and manages the investment across the initiative.
Objectives
The Action Research Networks (ARN) project helps South Australian grain growers understand what data to record to calculate emissions intensity for their crops. This knowledge will position farmers to take advantage of future market opportunities linked to low-emissions grain.
The project focuses on the practical 'why and how' of emissions tracking on-farm. Working across SA’s grain regions, the ARNs will co-design and demonstrate locally relevant practices that reduce emissions intensity without impacting profitability.
A trained panel of agronomists will support emissions benchmarking, guide practice changes, and improve readiness for low-emission markets by:
- establishing regional Action Research Networks to engage growers in emissions benchmarking
- upskilling agronomists and growers in digital tools and on-farm data systems for emissions accounting
- testing and demonstrating tools, technologies, and practices that help reduce emissions intensity through co-designed trials.
Research approach
This project is an opportunity to build on what we already know about emissions in South Australian grain production, test it in local conditions, and create a shared learning experience across regions.
Working with farmers, agronomists, software providers, and other stakeholders, the project aims to:
- streamline emissions reporting
- build practical familiarity with emissions calculators
- make it easier for growers to understand and record the emissions intensity of their grain commodities.
Through the regional Action Research Networks (ARNs), the project will co-design and deliver demonstrations of locally relevant practices and emerging solutions. These include:
- low-emission inputs (like low-emission fertilisers)
- enabling tools (like variable rate technology, farm data management software)
- agronomic strategies (like legume integration, stubble and residue management).
These activities will help identify the most effective options available to reduce emissions on farm.
The project will also build on the national network of agronomists trained through the DAFF Carbon Farming Outreach Program. Communication will be led by AgCommunicators, with robust monitoring and evaluation embedded throughout the project.
Expected outcomes
The South Australian component of LEIFS will result in:
- four regional Action Research Networks (ARNs) engaging growers directly, with outreach to growers across key SA grain-producing regions
- upskilled agronomists who act as trusted advisors on low-emissions decision-making, enabling peer-to-peer learning within grower networks
- on-farm demonstration trials that provide real-world evidence of emissions-reducing practices across diverse rainfall zones
- dissemination of locally relevant decision tools informed by demonstration outcomes, and alignment with LEIFS national methodologies
- robust data collection consistent with the NFF Farm Data Code and GRDC reporting standards
- effective communications, led by AgCommunicators, to share success stories, grower perspectives, and technical resources via podcasts, webinars, and field days
- contribution toward the GRDC’s strategic goal of ensuring 80% of Australian grain production has a robust emissions intensity calculation by 2030.
The project will also strengthen the state’s capacity to integrate emissions considerations into agronomic advice and grain value chains. Outputs will support growers’ access to sustainability-aligned markets, preparing them for emerging carbon-related compliance and market signals.
Collaborators
- Kate McCormack, WA DPIRD – ARN Lead WA
- Aaron Simmons, NSW DPIRD – ARN Lead NSW
