Victorian farmers are implementing practical on-farm projects that increase farm profitability and productivity while reducing emissions through the Allan Labor Government’s On-Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced the two successful recipients of the Innovation Fund Round 1 and opened round 2 of the Innovation Fund - which offers grants of up to $100,000 to Pilot participants.

The Pilot is a 3-year initiative for 250 Victorian farmers and growers designed to help them to identify their on-farm emissions profile, develop an emissions reduction action plan, and apply for a grant to implement recommended actions through a pool of $5 million. 

Both successful Round 1 projects are underway at dairy and beef cattle farms in east and south Gippsland respectively and were chosen for their focus on implementing on-farm trials to test new and different emissions reduction approaches.

South Gippsland beef cattle famer Carolyn Wilde received $37,399 for her Novel Water and Supplement Delivery System project, which looks at the delivery of a water-based supplement to reduce methane emissions through livestock drinking water troughs.

Tarago River Farms received $30,000 for their Multi Species Emissions Saver project focused on trialling the use of various crop blends, and the use of wastewater sourced from the dairy and a local cheesemaking business, to determine the most efficient methods of producing dairy feed and minimising nitrogen input.

The On-Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot is a key initiative under Victoria’s first Agriculture Sector Emissions Reduction Pledge.

Applications for Round 2 Innovation Fund grants will be open to Pilot participants from 29 November 2024 to 31 January 2025. 

For more information on the On-Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/climate-and-weather. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence

“We’re backing innovative farmers to trial hands-on solutions through the On-Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot to increase productivity and long term sustainability.”   

“It is a key part of our $20 million Agriculture Sector Pledge, delivering a shared vision alongside industry to help farmers to reduce emissions while maintaining productivity and profitability.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh

“This is supporting farmers to increase productivity and profit, while taking action to reduce emissions on farm.”