Precision Pasutres’ Hamish Webb explains some of the ins and outs of soil carbon farming. Photo: Mike Terry

BUILDING carbon in soils and keeping red meat profitable in the new economy will form part of a three-day nature-based solutions conference to be held in Brisbane in July.

The conference and expo will start on July 17 with a ‘Soil Carbon Summit’, which will hear from carbon developers, soil carbon experts and red meat producers – including Agirprove managing director Matthew Warnken, Precision Pastures interim CEO Hamish Webb and Queensland University of Technology associate professor David Rowlings.

Improvements in soil carbon measurements for cheaper soil testing will be showcased.

The second and third day will take a broader look at the carbon market and the burgeoning nature-repair market – hearing from many producers including Angus Australia president and Northern NSW producer Erica Halliday and Tattykeel principal Graham Gilmore. Supply, demand and future prices for carbon will be analysed using the latest data.

Conference host and Carbon Farmers of Australia director Louisa Kiely will also present to the summit by running through the steps towards starting a soil carbon project.

“One of the misconceptions about the Australian Carbon Credit scheme is that people think one can start to baseline your soil carbon, and then if you notice an increase, apply to register the project. Or plant some trees and then register a project,” Ms Kiely said.

“Each to their own, but if you are contemplating entering this market, to sell credits just remember – registration first. You cannot begin your project activity until you have Registered the project.”

• To find out more about the conference click here