Dairy Australia’s policy lead for natural resources management, Megan Hill, emphasizes the importance of considering various factors after conducting a baseline assessment using the Australian Dairy Carbon Calculator (ADCC). These considerations include selling the carbon credits generated to earn income, or saving them to offset the farm’s own emissions in alignment with personal emissions targets or supply chain requirements.
The ADCC is a tool used by Australian dairy farmers to measure and manage their greenhouse gas emissions. It helps them understand the carbon footprint of their operations and identify opportunities for reduction. Once the baseline assessment is completed, farmers can explore different options for utilizing the carbon credits generated.
One option is to sell these credits and earn income. Carbon credits are tradable units representing the reduction or removal of greenhouse gas emissions. By selling these credits on the market, farmers can generate revenue that can help offset the costs of emission reduction measures or invest in other aspects of their business.
Another option is to save the credits and use them to offset the farm’s own emissions. By doing so, farmers can work towards achieving their personal emissions targets. This aligns with the broader effort of the agriculture sector to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to climate change mitigation. It also helps farmers meet the potential requirements set by their supply chains, which may demand emission reduction commitments.
Hill highlights the importance of considering individual circumstances and objectives when deciding on how to utilize the carbon credits. Some farmers may prioritize financial gains and choose to sell the credits, while others may prioritize sustainability goals and opt to offset their own emissions. Additionally, supply chain requirements may play a role in decision-making for farmers who are part of specific dairy networks.
In conclusion, the ADCC provides dairy farmers with a valuable tool for measuring and managing their greenhouse gas emissions. Once the initial baseline assessment is completed, farmers need to consider whether to sell the carbon credits for financial gains, or save them to offset their own emissions and meet personal or supply chain targets. This decision should be based on individual circumstances and objectives.
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