With recent questions over the legitimacy of the Australian carbon offset scheme, it’s never been more important that carbon emissions are offset with legitimate credits and are free of greenwashing.
Unfortunately, few offerings in the market consider the natural environmental variables faced by the landowners generating the credits, and have the data transparency and accuracy required to inspire confidence that the investment is actually achieving its drawdown goal.
But the recently-released Eco-Credit by ORICoop is addressing many of these key issues in the current carbon offset market.
The farmer-owned credits are backed by extensive data collection and have been developed in accordance with the conditions, biodiversity and operations of each farm they’re provided by. Their transparency of data and the ability to directly purchase Eco-Credits from each farm means investors avoid the greenwashing associated with other carbon credit offerings.
ORICoop EO Carolyn Suggate said ‘All farms are assessed as to their suitability for the program, based on their existing farming practices, the area of the farm and the intentions of future management.’
“We don’t want producers to be at risk from any carbon credit program, to overstate their carbon drawdown, or to be exposed by a natural disaster or severe weather event should the carbon levels in their soil or biodiversity decrease,” Ms Suggate said.
These limits are a key part of the design- providing investor security, and lessening the risk of overstating any values, especially following farming challenges or natural disasters that can negatively impact soil carbon improvement efforts such as the extensive flooding occurring throughout NSW and QLD recently.
“Through a collective of the credits, ORICoop’s specialist advisory committee oversees each of the credit applications and validation reports. This includes assessing the management practices, the land management zones, the footprint of the farm business plus the soil testing and results. For each project we determine suitable buffers that enable producers to bank a portion of their credits – the credits are validated annually, and depending on buffer limits, a portion is liquidated at the producer’s discretion,” Ms Suggate said.
Each Eco-Credit represents 1 tonne of CO2 drawdown, in addition the credits represent measures each local organic producer has undertaken to actively improve soil carbon, water efficiency and biodiversity within their properties and farming practices.
Michael Coleman, Managing Director of Box Forest Consulting, said the costly setup and operating design of the ACCU market may be resulting in poor outcomes for both producers and investors.
“If it turns out that ACCU projects are not delivering contracted reductions, despite high costs of participation, that’s the worst of both worlds. Hopefully the regulator will improve market integrity, and not just by adding more layers of consultant reports,” Mr Coleman said.
“A simpler, more transparent certification process, with low verification costs, can also offer greater integrity. Certification gets done and reported in a way all users understand and accept. Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM) should be designed with that in mind, which is what ORICoop has set out to achieve.”
Iain Smale, of Pangolin & Associates, said the Eco Credit will be popular for investors by providing other options for carbon credits which also offer a local impact, which is especially important given per-capita carbon emissions in Australia are amongst some of the highest in the world.
“With the Eco-Credit, you’re having a bigger environmental impact than just a carbon credit,” he said.
The environmental impact of our producer operations is key for Australian-owned organic dairy processor & manufacturer Paris Creek Farms. Paris Creek Farms’ Marketing & Communications Manager Alex Donovan said they are committed to increasing the sustainability of their operations, actively working with their producers to achieve this with Eco-Credits initially playing a vital part.
“With bio-dynamic and organic practices, we’re already using one of the most sustainable and regenerative methods of farming in the world, but we are striving to be even more sustainable. Our ultimate goal is to have our farmers generating their own Eco-Credits,” Ms Donovan said.
Ms Suggate said there are many ways the agriculture sector is transitioning beyond net-zero, and that collaboration to improve trust, legitimacy and the urgency for improving how sustainably we produce food is vital, especially after considering the ‘business as usual’ impact on the environment and the urgency of our changing climate as seen recently by some of the worst floods in history.
“We need science to be well funded to enable technology to be more accessible and trusted across the industry. This includes the measurement capability, satellite data, plus legitimate footprint data for farms across all commodities,” Ms Suggate said.
“In the meantime, our organic farming ORICoop members are dedicated to measuring and validating their soil tests and farm footprint. As their credits are validated, these producers form part of the organic farming ecosystem that invests into best practice, research and sustainability programs through a legitimate farmer-led carbon credit based on international guidelines,” she said.
“That includes soil carbon and biodiversity, rewarding producers for sustainable land stewardship practices, while offering these credits to businesses looking to offset their carbon footprint with legitimate credits that are traceable back to each farm that has generated them.”
If your business is committed to achieving net-zero, offset your carbon emissions directly with credits you can trust – register here now.
It was the weather forecast we didn’t want to hear. More rain. Alot of it – measured in metres.. More incessant weather. Already rain-soaked pasture and farmland. Exhausted communities that have faced bushfires, previous floods and now the 2022 devastating floods.
My farming grandfather always told me he set aside a shed full of hay for that ‘bad year’ to share with a farmer in need, or to get his farm through a difficult patch. He had a flood plan farming on a floodplain. He also had a bushfire plan (as his upper area had bushland surrounding), he also transitioned and diversified his dairy farm to include other enterprises when the dairy sector failed. This was in 1960. Now in 2022 there has never been more pressure in farming to be resilient against every natural disaster, each year. We are ready.
ORICoop is an Organic Farmers Cooperative. We have organic and biodynamic producers across the country that connect and care about other like minded producers. We have done this before. We will do it again. In 2019 we raised over $100,000 in cash and grants, we more than trebled these funds through physical donations of hay, fodder and biological inputs, in-kind support and many generous supporters to bushfire affected producers, exceeding $500,000 of support directly to producers. This included fodder donations that went from a certified organic or biodynamic farm – to organic producers in need. Some may not have stayed in business if we hadn’t of been there.
It is seriously overwhelming. Tonight it has been detailed that 2,000 of 3,500 homes in Lismore may be uninhabitable. What does that mean for these communities? For these families. For local producers. And what about the landholders who are yet to reclaim their land – or wait for the flood waters to recede as their crops are under 3m of flood water. Some have lost their entire herd. Or have nowhere to house them while the land recovers? There is much to do….. We are ready….
We know it’s a long road back. However we have these producers’ backs. We are a Producers Cooperative. We have other producers that know what natural disasters look like. They have been there before. Sometimes it’s a phone call. Reaching out to ask ‘R U ok’? How can we help? What do you need?
** For existing organic or biodynamic producers interested to donate fodder, agistment, seeds or other farm related generosity –contact us directly HERE
We call on the Federal and State Government to support these communities, producers and businesses in their journey back. How can Australia better support these at-risk communities for the long term. To distribute the risk from consumers and business – and to empower producers to transition to climate resilient farming systems. These communities cannot carry this burden on their own. We believe it is a national responsibility – to carry the burden of natural disasters. To build a pool of resources and people that can help when it’s needed. And fast. We all need to understand the call of the new normal. Sadly this is not as it has been.
We are so incredibly proud of the producers that we have supported previously. Of their courage to keep going. Of their willingness to accept offers of help. For the organic producers that have contacted us to donate hay, fodder or agistment. And the many people that have shared our posts, helped us with marketing, or raised funds in your business. We thank you.
Sandra – Plateau Organics, NSW, Bushfire Survivor
Help when help was needed. The right help, compassion, and commitment for those of us who faulted amongst the bushfires
Stephen & Jo-Ellen Whitsed, Corryong, Victoria, Bushfire Survivors
After the devastating 2019 bushfires in Corryong, ORICoop contacted us to offer help. We needed hay and they organised two Semi Trailer loads of certified organic hay for us which was fantastic. From that a great friendship has been formed with Carolyn and other ORICoop members and organic producers.
Cooperatives are an old way of doing business. The old way. That care about each other. Look out for each other. Share the wins. And the losses. Be there for your neighbour. We endeavour to return this to farming. In everything we do.
Join us today.
Thanks for your support. And kudos to all those affected. We send you strength.
ORICoop Board
Have you felt weary the last few weeks? As a conscious citizen, a local business owner, a producer – it has started to wear even our strong guards down. When will this end? How will this end? And what does this mean for the future of our our families and the economic pain that is felt across the country currently. To offer hope here are some key actions we can all take.
* Is healthy organic food expensive? Or is industrial food just too cheap?
What is the ‘true cost’ of healthy food? Or the cost of unhealthy food in terms of long term sickness? Organic food is closer to the ‘true cost’ of food production – the sad part is that the industrial food system has deceived us that industrial food is cheap, bulk and does no harm. Harm to humans. Harm to our health. And harm to the environment in which it’s grown. Investing into organic food is not about gourmet products. It’s about avoiding the ‘Dirty Dozen’. It’s about investing in the type of farming that you want to feed your family. Would you go camping in a cattle feedlot? Or in the middle of a broccoli patch that is sprayed every few days? Or eat flour that has been desiccated (sprayed) just days before harvest? Every time we invest in healthier food, we are investing in a healthier planet, healthier farmers, and ultimately healthier food.
* And what about the environment in which our food is produced?
Have you considered the downstream externality cost of an industrial food system on the environment? Where food is mass produced in monocrops. That requires higher levels of toxic sprays due to the increasing pest and disease burden. Higher levels of artificial nitrogen that over stimulate growth causing further health issues for the plant. And lacking nutrient density as it’s force fed an unhealthy high ‘N’ diet. Rather than naturally grown, and naturally fertilised organic food. And where do all these toxins and artificial inputs end up? In our water systems? Have you wondered why we have such extreme levels of blue green algae? Why the Great Barrier Reef is under such environmental pressure. We only have one planet and without adjusting our food and farming choices – we are destroying our top soil and our planet quicker than we realise.
Some may say organic farming cannot feed the planet! Ask the question – just how much land in Australia is wasted? How much is not fully utilised, or multi-layered to produce more food and give better resilience to farm businesses. Should Australia be focussed on growing more and more and more. Or should we be considering growing healthier, more nutrient dense, more regenerative, less environmentally damaging and healthier food for our communities. What if there is a peak oil limit and access to phosphorus or nitrogen in artificial forms becomes financially unsustainable in the next decade? Perhaps now is the time to transition our thinking to regenerative farming systems that circulate our agricultural economy, including waste and nutrients and lessen farmers’ dependence on expensive unsustainable external inputs. Organic and regenerative farmers are strategic masterminds. They regenerate the land with minimal external resources. They read their soil and meet the needs of the land. Without a chemical bucket list. And use their livestock and natural resources to grow nutrient dense food while regenerating the land. How about you?
From Calvin – an organic grain producer from South West Victoria. His deep concerns regarding the increasing COVID virus lockdowns, increasing levels of cancer and other serious health problems. Plus the planetary boundaries and climate resilience. See his reflections here….
I, along with others see the urgent need to find the CAUSE of these events and DO SOMETHING TO PREVENT AND LOWER THE FREQUENCIES OF THESE HAPPENINGS. SOMEONE NEEDS TO START SOMEWHERE. The time is now.
I feel that over the more recent years, farmers have been convinced to apply more and more dangerous chemicals so as to increase production and yield.
Farmers are paid for quantity NOT quality .
In the process of increasing production, by applying these chemicals, this process has most likely killed off almost ALL the natural soil life necessary for balanced nutrition in our food. Nature tries to build up life in soils, but a couple weeks later, another spray is applied to kill weeds etc and microbes again. Most soils in my local area have zero soil life and very little air left to allow microbes to live .
There is a varying degree of soil hardness in my area, but some farms it is now almost impossible to dig a 4 tine garden fork any more than 2 inches into the ground, even by jumping on it [maybe it would be more profitable to make bricks in these areas ]
In my opinion, the answer is in convincing farmers to use an intense program of cover cropping and applying healthy microbes [which is much less costly than the presently used fertilizers].
Further, I feel that there are enough farmers [grain, horticulture, fruit, dairy and beef to supply Australia’s food requirements for “CLEAN” food. The other can be sold overseas to hungry nations. Food security has never been such a national issue as right now. With closed borders and transport delays.
Are we to wait until further epidemics evolve and more climate change, or can we make changes now?
I know it’s a difficult question, however we need to start somewhere, and the epidemic is making it even more urgent.
ORICoop connects Organic and Biodynamic Farmers that demonstrates the direct relationship between healthy food, healthy farms and a healthy planet. Did you realise that organic agriculture is a leader in addressing these key questions of food security, planetary boundaries and healthy people?
The Way Forward
So what does this mean for us? Supporting organic and biodynamic producers has never been more critical as now. At ORICoop we encourage more producers to transition to biological farm systems. We know it takes time. We can assist with connecting with your local organic producers. We know to balance supply and demand – we need more businesses to invest in more locally grown, Australian produce. Not cheap imported food. Whether organic or conventional.
Agriculture has been a massive rebound for Australia’s economy in the past. It has been a place where you could always find work, a living, and raise your family. It can this time as well. If you are interested to be involved in the most exciting area of agriculture – in organic food systems, or organic farming. Contact us to find out how! We have producers looking for the next generation of farmers. Now more than ever!
* National Organic Awards – vote for your favourite organic business HERE
* Did you know it’s Organic Awareness Month? Here are ways you can be involved in raising awareness of all the reasons why Organics is better for you. For your family. For the planet. And for organic producers.
And if you are not already an ORIcoop member make sure you join ORICoop HERE. And encourage as many others as you can to also join. Don’t forget that the power of numbers to make change is very strong. Together we are stronger.
(And subscribe to our blog here for our next updates)
#nationalorganicweek
#organicawarenessmonth
#bethechange
#organicfarming
#covidhealthwarrior
#healthandwellness
I awoke this morning with a lump in my throat. Hoping that the IPCC report didn’t confirm what we have all known. Some have known for decades. Others since the last natural disaster they or their business has had to endure. What are we to teach and pass onto our children, if it cannot be the urgency and need for us to curb our desire for more and more, with less and less concern or consideration for the earth and its planetary boundaries. Like a mother that feeds its young – sometimes almost to her own detriment. So what does our country look like if a 1.5 degree rise by 2030 is in fact true. What does it mean for our Pacific neighbours? For our communities still in recovery from the last drought, bushfires or floods?
Organic Agriculture – the Next Generation..
With the Prime Minister announcing his ‘big moves’ to be in technology and hydrogen. These ‘big moves’ although positive, come directly from the more production, higher yields, cheaper prices and commodity-capitalism mindset that got us into this mess in the first place. I gasp for air, as I know personally the number of farmers and producers that are farming our land and feeding our nation that know agriculture is a huge part of the solution – if it were managed correctly with the right incentives for exemplary regenerative land management over time.
Farmers and producers have been at the coal face of planetary boundaries for years. Since Australia made its last feeble commitment to reducing our carbon footprint in 2005, I personally can recall enough bushfire events (from Black Saturday to the horrific events of the last Black Summer), to the worst floods in history, unprecedented cyclones, droughts and extreme natural disaster events across our country. Too many to count on one hand, and should be too many for any producer to endure in one lifetime that alone in just 15 years. What if we only have 60 harvest years left, what if the degradation of soils and water systems could be our last frontier? Climatic change is upon us, urgency has surrounded us, and together we can watch with fear, act with courage, or pretend that someone else will be the change we are desperately hoping for. I hope that you will call on your courage to be the change. We need you now.
ORICoop together with many contributors, advisors, farmers, producers, experts in their field and businesses are seeking to act on this urgency. One step at a time. Now. We encourage you to take as many of these steps as you can.
Perhaps join these forces that advocate for long term change. Together we are stronger.
Today’s news pulls no punches. For some the glimmer of hope lies in our pastures, in the soil, in the biodiversity and ecosystem that we all should take responsibility to look after. Every meal we eat. Every farmer we know. We all need to be part of the urgency in planetary care, of as much carbon drawdown as possible, and as little leach into the atmosphere as we can manage in our daily lives. You’re part of it. As is your community.
As one climate scientist tweeted this morning:
As a climate scientist, I’d like you to know: I don’t have hope. I have something better: certainty.
We know exactly what’s causing climate change.
We can absolutely 1) avoid the worst and 2) build a better world in the process.
Environmental Sustainability Goals (ESG’s)
In Quarter 2 alone, the European Union has amended three major financial, investment, and insurance regulations to include “sustainability” (2021/1256, 2021/1255, 2021/1257). The SEC has formed a 22-person enforcement task force focused on scrutinizing Green Investments & Climate-Related Disclosures. Even the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), which groups market regulators from the United States, Europe and Asia, found that the Trillions of ESG-related investments are burdened with different frameworks, key indicators and metrics, relative weightings as well as qualitative judgement. We need business to lead with united values and urgency.
At the core of Eco-Credit is the simple idea that data should be collected at the farm level, and that this data remains the property, and under the control, of the farmers. For the long term benefit, and to reward their land stewardship practices for carbon drawdown and preserving natural capital. To actively demonstrate the capacity of every farmer and land steward to be part of a key part of our drawdown mission – one farm at a time. With the ability to directly offset organic processors, businesses and financiers footprint – with full traceability and transparency.
About ORICoop
ORICoop is a National Cooperative of organic and biodynamic farmers. Of businesses and people that care about food, farms, people and the planet. Together we can be the leaders of powerful systemic change, to bring value back to producers and landholders at the face of this risk, and demonstrate with our actions to uphold the provision of safe food and habitat for all planetary communities. And for business to invest in this change, with the urgency of our future as the wind in their sails. We believe through connecting land, people, business and ethical values we can be strong allies and enact solutions that together can be the change we all hope for. And our children need to believe it will be enough.
ORICoop engages with Organic and Biodynamic Farmers collectively to demonstrate the direct relationship between healthy food, healthy farms and a healthy planet. Did you realise that organic agriculture can and should be a leader in the mitigation of carbon drawdown? See this latest article from FIBL on Organic Farming & Climate Change. A summarised list of these key features included here:-
The Way Forward
Our practical actions of supporting organic and biodynamic producers in our everyday lives is a key part of the solution to mitigating our climate emergency and carbon drawdown as a country. At ORICoop we believe the more farmers that produce food more sustainably, the more land that is managed in a carbon negative manner and the healthier the food is, with a lesser carbon footprint. It means taking responsibility and action for your business footprint as part of being a responsible citizen. Every business and family can reduce their footprint and have an impact – and then offset what you can not reduce. It means that we urgently need to own the overshoot of our lives. Of business. Of agriculture. And drastically make changes today that can peel back the damage our excess of the last 50+ years has created.
To find out more or to be involved in ORICoop you can join HERE.
#bethechange
#organicfarming
#planetarybalance
| Empower the world you want to be part of …… We know it’s been a rough year for many. We are rallying support in the last days of the financial year towards organisations that continue to ‘do good’ through these tough times. Here is our hot list for any tax deductible donations that align with your values ….. * Make a donation to ORICoop Bushfire Fund (tax deductible via AMF) * Offset your carbon footprint directly with organic producers * Support our friends at CERES who continue to do incredible things across Melbourne * Fifteen trees – buy your own tree to be planted and watch them grow * Buy a carbon credit that goes directly to indigenous communities * Trees for Life – connecting seeds with farmers one by one * Buy a piece of rainforest – from just $2.50 * Bush Heritage – supporting bushland conservation * Tasmanian Land Conservancy – preserving farmland in Tasmania * Offset Earth – for only $2.50/week * Firesticks – supporting Indigenous communities * Organic Matters Foundation – Organic education and buy a tonne of carbon And your yearly financial health check up list! * Transfer your super to one that aligns with your investment criteria * Review your banking (and mortgage choices) to an ethical one * Switch your browser to Ecosia and plant some trees * Close down that ‘extra’ credit card * Invest your funds to enable ethical and sustainable returns that don’t cost the earth
Could your business achieve Net-Zero by EOFY 2021? We are urgently calling on all ethical, organic, conscious businesses to aim for Net-Zero by the End of this Financial Year. Let’s show some love for our planet! Here is how you can start your journey…. * Calculate your carbon and environmental footprint Our newly released Eco-Credits can help you achieve this – while directly benefiting organic producers that are increasing the carbon across their farm businesses. Key outcomes include:- * Verified independent soil tests confirm carbon drawdown * Quantification of biodiversity quality and density in every farm system * Annual ecological reports (including natural capital) * Eco-Credits™ are only offered once and then retired * All purchasers receive an Offset Certificate to verify your offset Apply for your Eco-Credit here Or you can download an Eco-Credit Application Form here Or contact us for more information |
