Two events to equip Tasmanian farmers with green finance tools and nature-based farming solutions
Farmers for Climate Action represents thousands of Australian farmers taking action on climate change and advocating for policy that supports a resilient, sustainable farming sector.
Farmers for Climate Action (FCA) CEO will travel to Tasmania next month to lead two hands-on workshops connecting farmers with the latest tools to navigate a changing climate — from concessional green loans to nature-based farming practices.
Bream Creek | Wednesday, 3 June The first workshop takes place at the Bream Creek Showground in Tasmania's south. Attendees will hear from leading sustainable agriculture professor Kara Barry on the science underpinning nature-based solutions, alongside farmers Iain and Kate Field, who will share how these practices have strengthened the resilience and profitability of their own operation.
"On farm we apply two key principles of ecology to almost everything we do: energy efficiency and diversity. All of our decision making builds on these two principles and they have allowed us to harness the efficiencies of nature and reduce costs," said local farmer Iain Field.
Longford | Thursday, 4 June The second workshop, made possible by the NAB Foundation, will be held at Longford Hall in the state's north. Farmers will be joined by Emily Roberts from Westpine Advisory, who specialises in developing on-farm carbon accounts, and Tom Wright from NAB Agribusiness, who will walk through the growing range of green loan options available to farmers.
Concessional green loans — lower-cost finance available to farmers adopting environmentally beneficial practices — represent a significant new opportunity for Tasmanian agriculture.
"Carbon accounting provides a different lens to look at your farming operation - and what you find might surprise you. Farmers who understand their emissions profile often discover real efficiency gains along the way: less waste, lower input costs, and a clearer picture of where their operation can improve," said Westpine Advisory's Emily Roberts.
"For land-based businesses, this is about more than ticking a box. It is a practical tool for future-proofing your farm, strengthening your position in the market, and showing the world that sustainable, resilient agriculture is part of the climate solution," said Ms Roberts.
FCA CEO Verity Morgan-Schmidt said the workshops reflect the organisation's commitment to standing alongside farmers at a difficult moment for the industry.
"Farmers are at the coal face of climate change, and we want to make sure they're aware of every tool available. Getting out on the farm and talking directly with farmers who are battling rising input costs and constant weather extremes is essential — it's how we can advocate for them effectively."
