SOUTH Australia will be the national first to participate in a trial for technology which will assist in reducing on-farm emissions for grain producers.
FLINTpro will allow Australian farmers to evaluate, benchmark and communicate the environmental footprint of their own production.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said in order to reduce carbon emissions, producers must first know what their actual carbon footprint is.
“The trial of this technology right here in South Australia, using 10 of our grain producers, will help find a credible, reliable solution to understanding a farm’s environment footprint applicable to South Australian conditions,“ Ms Scriven said.
FLINTpro for Farms technology uses a cradle-to-farm-gate approach, measuring not only the greenhouse gas output of on-farm activities, but also the embedded emissions that are found elsewhere in the supply chain – for example in fertilisers, chemicals and diesel.
It also allows farmers to assess their environmental performance against regional benchmark data and to monitor environmental aspects beyond greenhouse gas emissions.
The joint State Government/Grains Producers SA (GPSA) funded project will be delivered by Grain Producers SA (GPSA) through the Mullion Group.
On completion of the trial, it will be evaluated for potential to rollout to grain producers more broadly, so they can gather valuable data about their own environmental footprint.
GPSA CEO Brad Perry said they was pleased to lead the trial with the support of the State Government in order to help deliver a solution for local farmers to understand their emissions.
“In doing so, it is hoped we will be able to find a viable method for grain producers more broadly to learn about their environmental footprint, and then take steps to minimise it without impacting profitability,“ Mr Perry said.
More information about the trial is available at GPSA’s website with updates on further details still to be released.
