USQ researchers are a step closer to delivering an online tool to help farmers count the cost of cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
The Improved useability of greenhouse gas emissions abatement decision support tools project is a joint venture by USQ and the Australian Farm Institute.
The project has received $300,000 in federal funding from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Carbon Farming Futures Extension and Outreach Program.
USQ’s Professor Julie Cotter said the team, which includes Dr Geoff Slaughter and Mr Rod Glass, were thrilled with the announcement as it will allow them to continue important work.
“We are creating an online tool to allow cattle and sheep producers to assess the financial viability of a range of greenhouse gas abatement measures,” Professor Cotter said.
“There are many ways farmers can reduce emissions such as planting more trees, improving herd genetics and cutting down on fertiliser use.
“It’s hoped this tool will help farmers weigh their options – which measures are cost effective and which are not.
“It’ll also help to identify opportunities to increase profits through the government’s Carbon Farming Initiative.”
Professor Cotter said they’ve been working on the decision making tool over the past eighteen months.
“This grant will allow us to build on the work we’ve done so far and realise our vision of getting our marginal abatement cost curve tool online by the middle of next year.”
Professor John Cole, Director of USQ’s Australian Centre for Sustainable Business and Development, has welcomed the funding
“A national strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions means little if people on the ground don’t have the tools to make the changes needed to be efficient,” Professor Cole said.
“This marginal abatement cost curve tool being developed by USQ researchers and their partners is a best practice innovation which will help the Australian farm sector prosper in a world where carbon competitiveness matters”.
USQ will also be working closely with Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and will make the tool available to support MLA’s national Extension and Outreach program.
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