Profit for a purpose – carbon farming with Rangelands

In August 2020 the Western Australian Regional natural resource management organisation, Rangelands NRM, launched a subsidiary ‘social enterprise’ Australian Producers Consortium (APC).

APC supports farmers with sustainable whole-farm planning, which can include the incorporation of carbon farming projects under the Human-Induced-Regeneration Method (HIR) and the Beef Cattle Herd Management Method under the national Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF). Profits generated through the APC business are then returned to Rangelands NRM to support the sustainable land management and environmental conservation activities that are targeted in Rangelands NRM’s regional plan

APC and Rangelands NRM are both committed to only developing high integrity projects that really reduce emissions and deliver additional benefits for the country. Biodiversity monitoring over time is a part of all projects.

Project Manager Steve Ewings emphasised that APC is working to add value and establish long-term productive partnerships:

“Our approach is to connect with like-minded individuals and corporates to be able to generate income for Rangelands to invest in further projects. We also want to assist pastoralists to leverage the full potential of carbon farming, and provide them with equity from strong partners, to be able to deliver optimum outcomes.”

Currently, the APC business is focused on development and aggregation of carbon farming projects. However, with a careful and monitored approach, Steve believes that working with corporations within the ESG (environmental, social and governance) framework is also possible:

“Our role is to bring a range of additional services to projects, connecting with the right people that share our philosophy, and are able to deliver high quality ACCU’s, ESG outcomes, and significant environmental results. Our creditability remains truthful in that all APC profits go back in to Rangelands projects in the region.”

Steve also emphasised that this approach might not be for all NRMs. Commercial engagement in the NRM sector requires time, care, and experienced people that have very strong business and governance skills to make sure that the profit arm of the business doesn’t risk the reputation of the NRM organisation. Steve is confident both APC and Rangelands have the right people, skills and organisational experience to make this model work to deliver multiple benefits for both parties.

“By uniting with Rangelands NRM, we are leveraging its expertise, network, and track record of delivering high quality outcomes; while assisting pastoralists in the region who are seeking improved land management systems to deliver higher income returns and take ownership of their environmental responsibilities.”

Carbon farming for NRM profit:

• Offers farmers the opportunity to work with independent NRM organisations that can add significant value to their overall farm management.
• Can provide an income source to notfor-profit regional NRM organisations to support the delivery of their core goals and NRM plans.
• Must be managed carefully to ensure the reputation of the regional NRM organisation is not put at risk.

Australian Producers Consortium: apconsortium.com.au

Rangelands NRM: rangelandswa.com.au