Having our say on soil

Sheep Producer producing feedback to government's Periodic Review of the Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)

Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) recently provided input into the Australian Government’s Periodic Review of the Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Method 2021. It’s important for the sheep industry to contribute to these Government reviews because the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, and the SOC Method 2021 incentivise and reward improved land management, enabling agriculture to contribute to climate and sustainability goals and participate in the growing carbon market.

SPA called for:

Regulatory certainty:

Assurance that the SOC Method will not be suspended like the Beef Herd Method and stability in the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme to maintain industry confidence.

Retention and refinement of the SOC Method: To better account for short-term climate-driven changes while recognising long-term sequestration through management interventions.

Expanded scope for the IFLM Method:

The proposed Integrated Farm and Land Management (IFLM) Method should be expanded to include other livestock-related emissions reduction, not just soil carbon and regeneration.

Support for a national soil carbon monitoring network:

Instead of costly paired control sites, establish a national network to ensure transparency and innovation.

Reduced measurement costs:

High soil sampling costs, for projects under the SOC Method, are a major barrier to participation.

Revised repayment terms for advance payments:

Reconsidering the five-year ACCU delivery requirement tied to the $5,000 soil sampling advance.

Practice-based payments:

Explore payments based on verified management practices that drive SOC gains, as they are easier and cheaper to monitor.

Simplification and usability of the method: Balance scientific rigour with practical usability to increase participation, including simplifying compliance requirements.

Expansion of eligible activities:

Support the NFF’s call to regularly update and expand eligible management practices under the SOC Method.

Read the full submission HERE