Two pilot programs were introduced in 2021 as part of the Australian Government’s Agriculture Stewardship Package, developed in partnership with the Australian National University (ANU).

The Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot is a trial for farmers to provide biodiversity and carbon abatement services. By establishing biodiverse environmental plantings, the pilot aims to create a credible market mechanism that improves biodiversity and climate outcomes and new income opportunities for farmers.

The Enhancing Remnant Vegetation Pilot encourages and rewards participants for installing fencing, managing weeds and pest animals, and carrying out plantings on their land.

Historically, vegetation has been cleared on farmland transforming the landscape from wooded areas to grassland. This destruction or degradation of remnant vegetation on farmland reduces biodiversity and abundance in flora and fauna species.

The pilots provide landholders with incentives to protect and enhance remnant vegetation on their land. Both pilot projects aim to put a value on remnant ecosystems and highlight the benefits associated with preserving them.

This project is funded by the Australian Government.