• Charles Sturt researcher seeks participants on carbon farming study

Research is being conducted at Charles Sturt University with Climate Friendly to investigate the link between carbon farming and drought resilience.

Charles Sturt is running a survey for landholders to share their experience of carbon farming and drought planning. The insights from this research will be used to inform a formal guideline for carbon farming participants to help them plan and include drought resilience into the design of their carbon farming project.

PhD candidate in the Charles Sturt School of Business in Bathurst Ms Emily Webster is leading the project.

Ms Webster’s PhD is looking at drought preparation of farmers across Australia. She started her PhD in January 2019 and began collaborating with Climate Friendly in August 2021.

Drought can have a devastating impact on farmers’ lives, business, family and community. These impacts highlight the need for good planning and readiness to act when dry seasons begin.

“Understanding how farmers prepare for droughts and where they may need help can be used to inform government policy and industry,” Ms Webster said.

“Support for farmers is essential to maintaining high quality agriculture that has been established. In the changing conditions we find ourselves, farmers of this country are continuing to innovate and show their resilience.”

Carbon farming activities create positive environmental impacts generally and it is believed that a positive link between carbon farming and drought resilience exists.

Ms Webster is aiming to prove the biophysical benefits of carbon farming activities can build drought resilience through regenerative grazing practices to maximise pasture productivity, increasing soil carbon resulting in landscape rehydration and providing shade and shelter for livestock.

Carbon farming provides a diversified income for farmers, helping them to maintain their financial stability during drought and allows them to prepare for drought financially.

Ms Webster is seeking participants from all levels of engagement with carbon farming, from landholders currently not engaged in carbon farming like activities, through to those with a registered carbon farming project.

The research covers both land-based and the financial effects of carbon farming, as well as the business planning that goes into drought preparation.

The survey will be open until Monday 28 February. For more information, please contact Ms Webster at emwebster@csu.edu.au.