đźšś Exciting New Episode Alert! đźšś
We’re thrilled to bring you the latest episode of “Secrets of the Soil” where host Regen Ray Milidoni dives deep into the rising demand for soil carbon with the insightful Louisa Kiely, Director of Carbon Farmers of Australia. 🌱
In Episode 30, we uncover the potential of carbon credits as a new revenue stream for farmers and the pivotal role soil health plays in our environment. Here are three key takeaways you won’t want to miss:
🔍 Importance of Carbon Credits: Discover how farmers can register for carbon credits and how informative soil tests can open new revenue opportunities.
đź“š Educational Resources: Learn about annual carbon conferences that cover crucial topics such as policy mechanisms, measurement techniques, and international trading options, designed to empower and educate farmers.
🌍 Future of Carbon Farming: Understand the evolving landscape and significant potential of carbon farming, your role in biodiversity stewardship, and the increasing interest from corporates.
Don’t miss out on this invaluable discussion. Tune in now to learn how you can contribute to a sustainable future through soil health and carbon farming! 🌿✨
Who is Louisa Kiely?
Louisa, Director of Carbon Farmers of Australia, obtained her Bachelor of Agricultural Economics from the University of New England. She worked in the market research industry as a field supervisor while bringing up her 3 children. Together with her husband Michael, in 1991-2003 Louisa established and grew a city-based marketing agency from zero to 55 employees. In this business, she was Director and General Manager of Boomerang! Integrated Marketing & Advertising.
Intent on following her first choice of career, she studied for the Advanced Diploma of Farm Management at Sydney University (Orange), trained in Holistic Management, and from 1998 to 2017 she was a woolgrower in the Wellington NSW district, growing fine Merino Wool.
She was selected by the Central Western Catchment Management Authority as one of 10 highly innovative landholders in the Catchment, to be trained in farm planning and soil restoration. Through this training, she and Michael became convinced that soil carbon could solve many agricultural, environmental, and climate change problems.
She co-founded the Carbon Coalition Against Global Warming in February 2006 to lobby for the right of Australian landholders to trade on the emissions offset market the credits they can earn by sequestering carbon in their soils. She has since traveled throughout Australia and internationally meeting scientists and farmers and spreading the word about Carbon Farming.
She was invited to be a delegate at a Climate Change and Conservation Farming Conference in LaFayette, Indiana, organised by the UN Food & Agriculture Organisation. She was also a delegate at the National Carbon Offset Coalition Conference in Bozeman, Montana. She is co-founder of Carbon Farmers of Australia Pty Ltd (CFA). CFA also published the world’s first Carbon Farming Handbook.
Seeking to build bridges with the scientific community, she organised two Soil C Summits between Scientists and Farmers, in Dubbo and Orange NSW. And as co-founder of CFA, she organised and ran the world’s first Carbon Farming Conference & Expo in November 2007. In 2019 the 9th National Carbon Farming Conference & Expo, the biggest yet with delegates from every state in Australia and from all over the world, was held.
She developed the “CarbonCredited™” brand for wool and recruited woolgrowers into this emissions reduction program. Louisa has been recognized for her work and was chosen as runner up in the 2008 NSW Rural Woman of the Year. She has also sat on the board of the Regional Development Australia Committee – Orana Region. This intergovernmental committee was set up to ensure the future strength and development in rural and regional Australia.
As director of Carbon Farmers of Australia Pty Ltd, she was a part of a consortium of 3 companies that developed the first Soil Carbon Methodology submitted to the Carbon Farming Initiative process. Carbon Farmers of Australia also offers farm-ready training in Carbon Farming and Trading.
In the latest episode of “Secrets of the Soil,” hosted by “Regen Ray” Milidoni, Louisa Kiely, the director of Carbon Farmers of Australia, delves deep into the burgeoning world of soil carbon and its transformative potential for farmers. This episode underscores the increasing importance of understanding and participating in the carbon market, highlighting the numerous benefits and challenges that come with it.
The Process of Registering for Soil Carbon
Louisa offers detailed insights into registering for soil carbon credits. The process begins with soil testing, a crucial step that provides invaluable information about the current carbon levels in the soil. These tests are not only informative but also a starting point for measuring the effectiveness of implemented carbon sequestration practices. Louisa emphasizes the need for thorough understanding and education about carbon credits, ensuring that farmers can navigate the complex landscape of regulations and benefits.
Annual Carbon Conferences: A Wealth of Knowledge
Louisa highlights the role of annual carbon conferences in shedding light on various topics pertinent to carbon farming. These gatherings cover everything from policy mechanisms to the latest advancements in CSIRO measurement technologies, biodiversity stewardship, tree programs, demand trends, and international trading options. Such conferences are essential for fostering innovation and ensuring that farmers are well-informed about the evolving landscape of carbon markets.
The Benefits of Soil Carbon
Throughout the episode, Louisa passionately discusses the manifold benefits of soil carbon. Improved soil structure, enhanced water-holding capacity, and overall soil health are significant advantages. Importantly, the potential for farmers to receive payments for these ecosystem services cannot be overstated. By integrating carbon farming practices, farmers contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation while enhancing their land’s productivity and resilience.
The Role of Carbon Farmers of Australia
The Carbon Farmers of Australia, founded by Louisa and her team, serves as a pivotal lobby group advocating for soil carbon’s vital role in climate mitigation. Louisa shares her journey as a wool grower in Mudgee District, detailing how her initial curiosity about the carbon cycle and farming transformed into a full-fledged advocacy for soil health and carbon farming. Their work underscores the resilience needed to keep the conversation about soil carbon alive, backed by unwavering belief in climate change science and a passion for supporting farmers.
Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
While the potential benefits of carbon farming are vast, Regen Ray and Louisa acknowledge the challenges that farmers may face. These include complex regulatory frameworks, the need for comprehensive education, and the initial learning curve associated with implementing new farming practices. Recognizing these obstacles, Louisa mentions her upcoming funding conference and expo, designed to address these issues head-on by providing education, resources, and showcasing new models for farmer participation.
Government Support and Future Prospects
The federal government’s initiatives to assist farmers with tree planting and soil carbon are also discussed. These programs signify the increasing recognition of soil health’s importance within Australia’s technology roadmap. Moreover, the potential for biodiversity credits in carbon farming offers another layer of benefits, further emphasizing the need for farmers to stay abreast of educational and collaborative opportunities.
Market Dynamics and Corporate Interest
Louisa highlights the significant interest from corporations in the carbon farming and offsetting industry. As the industry is still in its early stages, pioneers like Louisa and her peers are navigating uncharted waters, but they are also setting the foundation for future success. The conversation touches upon ensuring that carbon offsetting is not exploited and discusses the role of cap and trade systems and commodity market trading in driving the carbon market forward.
The episode concludes with a heartfelt invitation from Louisa and Regen Ray to share the podcast and connect with soil-loving businesses. They stress the importance of education and collaboration, urging listeners to participate in the upcoming carbon farming conference, whether virtually or in person. As the demand for soil carbon continues to rise, it offers a unique opportunity for farmers to enhance their soil health while contributing to a more sustainable future.
