Central West Landholder Ian Chapman at his property in Stuart Town.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $3 million to help farmers improve their farming operations, profitability and environmental sustainability through developing natural capital projects.
In farming, natural capital refers to the stock of natural resources—like soil, water, plants, animals, and ecosystems—that farmers rely on to produce food, fibre, and other goods.
Ian Chapman is a cattle farmer with a 1000-acre property in Stuart Town, Central West NSW.
While the concept of natural capital is new, Ian has been practicing sustainable agriculture since the 1990s, taking an interest in P.A. Yeomans’ keyline farm design principles, and then managing his property holistically since 2006.
Ian started planting trees on his property in the late 90s, and in 2021. Since then, he has planted more than 32,000 trees and shrubs across 40 hectares – more than 20 species of eucalypts, acacia, and more.
Ian said “Local Land Services helped us identify our native plant community type and I went to a few workshops and field days.
“At one stage we were having issues with waterlogged areas of the farm, and Local Land Services helped us come up with some solutions.
Ian can now apply for carbon credits under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme to generate an income from this project.
Local Land Services’ natural capital advisors can help landholders understand what environmental market opportunities may be available to them.
Landholders are encouraged to contact their Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299 or visit the website for more information.