❓ A parliamentary question regarding government funding for carbon sequestration research in the northern agricultural region of WA, highlighting the potential for carbon dioxide capture and the need for further research given climate change concerns. The Minister's response outlines existing research efforts and future plans, contingent on federal policy changes.
AnsweredQoN 967Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
CARBON SEQUESTRATION TRIAL - NORTHERN AGRICULTURAL REGION
(1) Is the minister aware of the paper distributed by Mr Tim Wiley from the Department of Agriculture and Food in Geraldton and Mr Bob Wilson of Evergreen Farming Inc from Lancelin on the carbon sequestration and trading research and development strategy for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia? (2) Will the Western Australian government contribute funding to the ongoing research, given that just two million hectares of sands in the northern agricultural region could sequester 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year? (3) Is the minister aware that 5.8 million hectares of the northern agricultural region could sequester carbon if farming systems could be developed for this to occur? (4) Given the debate that is occurring on climate change, will the minister ensure that resources are made available to the Department of Agriculture and Food for further research to be undertaken? Hon KIM CHANCE
(1) Is the minister aware of the paper distributed by Mr Tim Wiley from the Department of Agriculture and Food in Geraldton and Mr Bob Wilson of Evergreen Farming Inc from Lancelin on the carbon sequestration and trading research and development strategy for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia? (2) Will the Western Australian government contribute funding to the ongoing research, given that just two million hectares of sands in the northern agricultural region could sequester 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year? (3) Is the minister aware that 5.8 million hectares of the northern agricultural region could sequester carbon if farming systems could be developed for this to occur? (4) Given the debate that is occurring on climate change, will the minister ensure that resources are made available to the Department of Agriculture and Food for further research to be undertaken? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for providing some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture and Food is aware of the carbon sequestration trial in the northern agricultural region. It is participating in monitoring the trial to assess the effectiveness and issues surrounding the issues of perennials in increasing soil carbon. As part of the future options for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food is looking at and developing a strategy for further research and development in carbon sequestration and trading. The discussions to date have included consideration of Tim Wiley’s paper and have also encouraged grower and industry participation. The focus of the work done so far has been on the establishment of perennial pastures and fodder shrubs, including the oil mallee, which can be grown on poor soils and in low rainfall areas. (2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
(2) Will the Western Australian government contribute funding to the ongoing research, given that just two million hectares of sands in the northern agricultural region could sequester 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year? (3) Is the minister aware that 5.8 million hectares of the northern agricultural region could sequester carbon if farming systems could be developed for this to occur? (4) Given the debate that is occurring on climate change, will the minister ensure that resources are made available to the Department of Agriculture and Food for further research to be undertaken? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for providing some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture and Food is aware of the carbon sequestration trial in the northern agricultural region. It is participating in monitoring the trial to assess the effectiveness and issues surrounding the issues of perennials in increasing soil carbon. As part of the future options for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food is looking at and developing a strategy for further research and development in carbon sequestration and trading. The discussions to date have included consideration of Tim Wiley’s paper and have also encouraged grower and industry participation. The focus of the work done so far has been on the establishment of perennial pastures and fodder shrubs, including the oil mallee, which can be grown on poor soils and in low rainfall areas. (2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
(3) Is the minister aware that 5.8 million hectares of the northern agricultural region could sequester carbon if farming systems could be developed for this to occur? (4) Given the debate that is occurring on climate change, will the minister ensure that resources are made available to the Department of Agriculture and Food for further research to be undertaken? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for providing some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture and Food is aware of the carbon sequestration trial in the northern agricultural region. It is participating in monitoring the trial to assess the effectiveness and issues surrounding the issues of perennials in increasing soil carbon. As part of the future options for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food is looking at and developing a strategy for further research and development in carbon sequestration and trading. The discussions to date have included consideration of Tim Wiley’s paper and have also encouraged grower and industry participation. The focus of the work done so far has been on the establishment of perennial pastures and fodder shrubs, including the oil mallee, which can be grown on poor soils and in low rainfall areas. (2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
(4) Given the debate that is occurring on climate change, will the minister ensure that resources are made available to the Department of Agriculture and Food for further research to be undertaken? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for providing some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture and Food is aware of the carbon sequestration trial in the northern agricultural region. It is participating in monitoring the trial to assess the effectiveness and issues surrounding the issues of perennials in increasing soil carbon. As part of the future options for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food is looking at and developing a strategy for further research and development in carbon sequestration and trading. The discussions to date have included consideration of Tim Wiley’s paper and have also encouraged grower and industry participation. The focus of the work done so far has been on the establishment of perennial pastures and fodder shrubs, including the oil mallee, which can be grown on poor soils and in low rainfall areas. (2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for providing some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture and Food is aware of the carbon sequestration trial in the northern agricultural region. It is participating in monitoring the trial to assess the effectiveness and issues surrounding the issues of perennials in increasing soil carbon. As part of the future options for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food is looking at and developing a strategy for further research and development in carbon sequestration and trading. The discussions to date have included consideration of Tim Wiley’s paper and have also encouraged grower and industry participation. The focus of the work done so far has been on the establishment of perennial pastures and fodder shrubs, including the oil mallee, which can be grown on poor soils and in low rainfall areas. (2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for providing some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture and Food is aware of the carbon sequestration trial in the northern agricultural region. It is participating in monitoring the trial to assess the effectiveness and issues surrounding the issues of perennials in increasing soil carbon. As part of the future options for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food is looking at and developing a strategy for further research and development in carbon sequestration and trading. The discussions to date have included consideration of Tim Wiley’s paper and have also encouraged grower and industry participation. The focus of the work done so far has been on the establishment of perennial pastures and fodder shrubs, including the oil mallee, which can be grown on poor soils and in low rainfall areas. (2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
(1) The Department of Agriculture and Food is aware of the carbon sequestration trial in the northern agricultural region. It is participating in monitoring the trial to assess the effectiveness and issues surrounding the issues of perennials in increasing soil carbon. As part of the future options for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food is looking at and developing a strategy for further research and development in carbon sequestration and trading. The discussions to date have included consideration of Tim Wiley’s paper and have also encouraged grower and industry participation. The focus of the work done so far has been on the establishment of perennial pastures and fodder shrubs, including the oil mallee, which can be grown on poor soils and in low rainfall areas. (2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
(2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
(3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
(4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
(2) Will the Western Australian government contribute funding to the ongoing research, given that just two million hectares of sands in the northern agricultural region could sequester 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year? (3) Is the minister aware that 5.8 million hectares of the northern agricultural region could sequester carbon if farming systems could be developed for this to occur? (4) Given the debate that is occurring on climate change, will the minister ensure that resources are made available to the Department of Agriculture and Food for further research to be undertaken? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for providing some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture and Food is aware of the carbon sequestration trial in the northern agricultural region. It is participating in monitoring the trial to assess the effectiveness and issues surrounding the issues of perennials in increasing soil carbon. As part of the future options for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food is looking at and developing a strategy for further research and development in carbon sequestration and trading. The discussions to date have included consideration of Tim Wiley’s paper and have also encouraged grower and industry participation. The focus of the work done so far has been on the establishment of perennial pastures and fodder shrubs, including the oil mallee, which can be grown on poor soils and in low rainfall areas. (2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
(3) Is the minister aware that 5.8 million hectares of the northern agricultural region could sequester carbon if farming systems could be developed for this to occur? (4) Given the debate that is occurring on climate change, will the minister ensure that resources are made available to the Department of Agriculture and Food for further research to be undertaken? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for providing some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture and Food is aware of the carbon sequestration trial in the northern agricultural region. It is participating in monitoring the trial to assess the effectiveness and issues surrounding the issues of perennials in increasing soil carbon. As part of the future options for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food is looking at and developing a strategy for further research and development in carbon sequestration and trading. The discussions to date have included consideration of Tim Wiley’s paper and have also encouraged grower and industry participation. The focus of the work done so far has been on the establishment of perennial pastures and fodder shrubs, including the oil mallee, which can be grown on poor soils and in low rainfall areas. (2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
(4) Given the debate that is occurring on climate change, will the minister ensure that resources are made available to the Department of Agriculture and Food for further research to be undertaken? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for providing some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture and Food is aware of the carbon sequestration trial in the northern agricultural region. It is participating in monitoring the trial to assess the effectiveness and issues surrounding the issues of perennials in increasing soil carbon. As part of the future options for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food is looking at and developing a strategy for further research and development in carbon sequestration and trading. The discussions to date have included consideration of Tim Wiley’s paper and have also encouraged grower and industry participation. The focus of the work done so far has been on the establishment of perennial pastures and fodder shrubs, including the oil mallee, which can be grown on poor soils and in low rainfall areas. (2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for providing some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture and Food is aware of the carbon sequestration trial in the northern agricultural region. It is participating in monitoring the trial to assess the effectiveness and issues surrounding the issues of perennials in increasing soil carbon. As part of the future options for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food is looking at and developing a strategy for further research and development in carbon sequestration and trading. The discussions to date have included consideration of Tim Wiley’s paper and have also encouraged grower and industry participation. The focus of the work done so far has been on the establishment of perennial pastures and fodder shrubs, including the oil mallee, which can be grown on poor soils and in low rainfall areas. (2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for providing some notice of the question. (1) The Department of Agriculture and Food is aware of the carbon sequestration trial in the northern agricultural region. It is participating in monitoring the trial to assess the effectiveness and issues surrounding the issues of perennials in increasing soil carbon. As part of the future options for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food is looking at and developing a strategy for further research and development in carbon sequestration and trading. The discussions to date have included consideration of Tim Wiley’s paper and have also encouraged grower and industry participation. The focus of the work done so far has been on the establishment of perennial pastures and fodder shrubs, including the oil mallee, which can be grown on poor soils and in low rainfall areas. (2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
(1) The Department of Agriculture and Food is aware of the carbon sequestration trial in the northern agricultural region. It is participating in monitoring the trial to assess the effectiveness and issues surrounding the issues of perennials in increasing soil carbon. As part of the future options for the northern agricultural region of Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food is looking at and developing a strategy for further research and development in carbon sequestration and trading. The discussions to date have included consideration of Tim Wiley’s paper and have also encouraged grower and industry participation. The focus of the work done so far has been on the establishment of perennial pastures and fodder shrubs, including the oil mallee, which can be grown on poor soils and in low rainfall areas. (2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
(2) The Department of Agriculture and Food, as part of Agricultural Research Western Australia, which is a partnership with universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed a research plan that includes projects to evaluate the opportunity for farming systems to sequester carbon. If carbon sequestration is to provide an opportunity for farmers, there needs to be a well-developed research basis for the permanent or long-term measurable, real and certifiable capture of carbon. (3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
(3) I am aware that agricultural and pastoral land in Western Australia may provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. However, risks related to the loss of sequestered carbon need to be understood and systems developed for managing those risks. (4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
(4) The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to apply resources as appropriate to develop an understanding of the levels to which carbon can be sequestered in soils, working within the ARWA climate research initiative, and seek to leverage funding from industry research and development organisations. A change in government at the federal level and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocols will also assist by providing a clearer path to market for carbon sequestration initiatives. I say this for the sake of placing it on the record, because I know members are already aware of this. Soil carbon sequestration is currently not recognised for the purposes of official offsets in emissions trading.
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