Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how landholders can earn carbon credits through sequestration projects and the long-term commitments required.
The Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) is a program that allows landholders to earn credits by managing their land in ways that capture and store carbon.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically designed for landholders who implement carbon sequestration projects. If you manage land and can demonstrate that your practices are actively capturing or storing carbon, you may qualify to participate in the initiative.
What you get
In exchange for the carbon sequestered through your land management practices, you receive Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). These ACCUs act as carbon credits, which are assets that you can sell to others who need to offset their own emissions.
What it costs you
Entering this scheme involves significant upfront costs. You will need to fund the initial processes required to prove your project is working, specifically the professional verification and auditing services required to validate your carbon sequestration levels. These professional assessments are necessary to ensure the credits you receive are accurate.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand before joining is the long-term commitment involved. When you sign on, you enter into a legal contract that locks you into specific land management practices. Depending on the project, this commitment can last anywhere from 25 years to as long as 100 years.
How to apply
- Determine if your land management practices meet the requirements for a sequestration project.
- Plan for the high upfront costs associated with the necessary auditing and verification processes.
- Prepare your project documentation to prove how carbon is being captured.
- Submit your project details through the official government portal.