We asked if Farmers they were interested in mainstreaming biochar into their farming regime and the overwhelming response was YES! The Gorae west trial site has certainly generated a lot of interest over the past few months including a stop over with international guests from the Australia New Zealand Biochar International Conference.
The overall buzz from the conference was that biochar is certainly now more mainstream. It is acknowledged and accepted as a way to regenerate soil. What’s even better is that the government now recognises this.
Eminent biochar scientists who spoke at the conference believe it is time to act, as there is enough science to show the worth of Biochar as an agricultural input, along with a plethora of other exciting new applications.
The agricultural sector holds the key to locking up carbon for the benefit of the whole community via regenerative farm practices including biochar application.
The next steps includes working out the logistics around how to best apply char to different types of farms. These questions are important and not that easy to answer. Different famers have different equipment and different land uses. Looking forward we would like to focus on new trail work that really mainstreams the practical application of this product.
Biochar is slowly being supported and adapted to be a ready made commodity available for integration into farming practices. It has a critical role to play in mitigating climate change.
We have opportunity in our region to forge ahead with biochar projects to be part of climate action that also improves the resilience and productivity of farms. There is also the opportunity to be part of the carbon credit scheme newly launched by the government and this may be best done as a farming collective to offset some of the costs associated with the program. A farmer group is something we are wanting to help facilitate get off the ground.
There are funding grants around to support such action. If you or anyone you know is interested in starting up or joining a list of people who would like to be a part of a Regenerative farmers group then get in touch with us.
The work of Doug Phillips and his wife Helen has been instrumental in bringing this opportunity to Portland. Contact Kristy Brewer if you are interested in being part of a Regenerative Farming group or would like a copy of our Biochar leaflet.
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