Midwest leads the way in carbon trading, Gardiner
Author: Philip Gardiner
Published on: 04-April-2011
Carbon trading in the voluntary carbon offset market has moved a step forward in the Midwest. The Midlands Forestry Alliance (MFA), with financial assistance from the Wheatbelt Development Commission, has engaged a consultant to verify that the MFA carbon measurement process is compliant with government benchmarks, the Hon Philip Gardiner MLC today explained.
Mr Gardiner said he was extremely excited with the significant work the MFA has completed to establish their credentials for the voluntary carbon offset markets including compliance with any future mandatory carbon offset requirements. The MFA is a farmer owned cooperative that actively promotes forestry and revegetation activity, both commercial and environmental, into the farming operation. The MFA believes that farmers need to plan for the effects of climate change but have an understanding that being environmentally conscious does not spell the end of profitability.
The MFA will become a carbon pool manager and establish a Western Australian carbon pool, initially from their tree growing members, before expanding to non-members in order to meet what is expected to be a burgeoning need. Carbon from the pool will be ‘sold’ to business clients helping them to achieve zero carbon emissions from their businesses.
For business often the reduction in emissions and introducing improved efficiencies in fact results in the generation of sufficient cost cuts to cover the offsetting costs in the first place. Put simply, carbon offsetting need not mean less profit.
Richard Notley, the Chairperson of the MFA, acknowledged the support of Mr Gardiner’s office in developing the business case and understanding of the carbon market potential.
“This opportunity was first identified by Philip’s electorate officer, Phil Bellamy, who was so impressed with the potential benefits that he encouraged the Member to become involved,” he said. “The opportunity to farmers generated by joining a carbon pool is to receive an income from tree planting on cleared, agricultural land as of the 1 January 1990 and is compliant with Kyoto Protocol.
Mr Notley said many farmers have already planted significant areas of trees for landcare reasons and carbon pooling creates a way to generate income from this land.
The MFA contact spokesperson is Norm Skoglund who can be contacted on 9655 1068.
