L.ADP.2503 - Carbon EDGE package updates, biodiversity additions

Summary

The project was undertaken to review and update MLAs Carbon EDGE training program, incorporating the latest research and development, global trends, policies, tools and information in the course material, including environmental markets and material relating to biodiversity. The update would ensure producers are getting the most contemporary material when attending a Carbon EDGE course.

Objectives

The objectives of this project were to:
•    Conduct a review of the current Carbon EDGE deliverer manual, participant manual, slide deck, KASA, feedback forms, participant pre-work, deliverer support materials.
•    Collate new research and information relating to greenhouse gases in agriculture and the red meat sector.
•    Present recommendations on what should be included and / or updated in the Carbon EDGE material.
•    Make updates to the materials as per the agreed changes, ensuring the content is fit for purpose.
•    Scan recent policy, legislation, research, development and extension and market / environmental trends to identify what should be considered for inclusion in Carbon EDGE as it relates to biodiversity.
•    Update existing Carbon EDGE materials with new biodiversity content as per the agreed changes, ensuring the content is fit for purpose.

Key findings

The Carbon EDGE course was updated with the latest Australian relevant research, particularly in areas of emissions reduction on farm, with reference to genetics, husbandry, pasture species and supplements. 

A new section was added at the front of the course to bring together all the possible reasons that red-meat producers should know about carbon and biodiversity and how it relates to their farm. This section has pulled together previous information on international treaties, Australia’s commitments and the goals of the red meat industry. It also incorporates material on drivers for emissions reduction in the supply chain that filter down to red meat producers.

Material has been added on accounting for natural capital and biodiversity on farm, biodiversity and nature repair markets and the co-benefits of on-farm sequestration from vegetation to natural capital and biodiversity.

The overall length of the course has not been changed, but there have been some adjustments made to the flow of topics to make this more logical.

Benefits to industry

The industry now has a revised Carbon EDGE course that incorporates all the latest Australian relevant research, policy and legislation surrounding carbon on farm. It also has extra material on natural capital and biodiversity that has logical connection to carbon on farm.

Future research

Carbon EDGE updates should be conducted regularly (every two years).