THE man behind the Net Zero Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre will explain the science behind carbon farming at next week’s Birchip Cropping Group’s chair’s breakfast.
University of Melbourne Professor of Carbon Farming, Professor Richard Eckard, will speak at the breakfast on Thursday, October 17, at BCG.
His presentation will provide growers and industry with an overview of what they can expect from a Net Zero policy and actionable steps they can take on their own farm.
Professor Eckard is based in Melbourne and is the science leader in the Net Zero Agriculture CRC, where his research focuses on carbon farming and accounting towards carbon neutral agriculture, as well as strategies for agriculture to respond to a changing climate.
“The impending requirements of a Net Zero Plan will have a direct impact on broadacre cropping practices and I’m delighted to welcome someone with Richard’s knowledge and experience to Birchip,” said BCG chair John Ferrier.
“Growers and industry members will gain valuable insights into practical steps they can take to manage ‘their number’.”
Professor Eckard said the grains industry is already well positioned to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions according to the Net Zero by 2025 target.
“The Australian grains industry is already one of the lowest GHG emitting in the world compared with other grain growing countries,” he said.
“Growers should expect emission measurements will take account of existing efficient practices including management of inputs like nitrogen and fungicide in response to the seasonal outlook.”
Recently named in the Reuters list of the world’s 1000 most influential climate scientists, Professor Eckard developed the first greenhouse gas accounting tools, for all sectors of agriculture in Australia, that now form an agreed national standard for agriculture.
He is a science advisor to the Victorian, Australian, New Zealand, UK and EU governments, the International Livestock Research Institute and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation on climate change adaptation, mitigation and policy development in agriculture.
Held at BCG, this event is designed to offer participants the opportunity to hear an inspiring and informative guest speaker, enjoy breakfast and meet with friends and colleagues before work.
Starting at 8am, the event is free but online registration is essential. Go to www.bcg.org.au/events for details or call the BCG office on (03) 5492 2787.
