Carbon that Counts

Unlocking the value of carbon accounting on Tasmanian farms

Recent changes to Australian legislation mean that large companies are now required to report their carbon emissions alongside their financial reports. Even though most farm businesses are not yet required to report on emissions, processors, retailers and export customers are increasingly asking farmers for emissions data as part of their supply chain reporting.

We know the carbon space is full of confusing jargon and competing advice. You're not alone in finding it complex. Carbon that Counts is working with Tasmanian farmers to build practical evidence on how carbon accounting can add value for farming businesses - whether through cost savings, market opportunities, or better farm management - and to develop useful tools and resources to help build farmer confidence in getting started with a carbon account.

What Carbon that Counts is all about:

  • Carbon that Counts is exploring how carbon accounting can unlock value for Tasmanian farms - we’re testing:

    • Does it save money or improve efficiency? We’re tracking whether identified emission reduction practices lead to cost savings or productivity gains through improved fuel efficiency, fertiliser optimisation, energy savings, or management efficiencies.

    • Does it open market opportunities? We’re examining whether carbon data helps farms access benefits like preferential interest rates, premium prices, or eligibility for export markets with sustainability requirements.

    • Is the administrative burden worth it? We’re honestly assessing the time, effort, and cost involved in carbon accounting against the benefits it delivers.

    • How do changes affect operations? We’re analysing the real-world effects of emission reduction practices on farm productivity and profitability, not just environmental outcomes.

  • We’re developing practical tools to help you get started with carbon accounting.

    We’re creating resources that break down key terms, what data and records you need, and case studies showing how other Tasmanian farmers approach carbon accounting, emission reduction and on-farm changes.

    As we develop these tools, they’ll be shared here for download.

  • Results will be shared throughout the project. As the project progresses, there will be opportunities to attend events and learn from other farmers and our team of advisors about carbon accounting.

    Whether the value proposition proves strong, modest, or not yet there, we'll report our findings honestly to help you make informed decisions.

Get involved - Case Study farms

We’re seeking Expressions of Interest from Tasmanian farm businesses to participate as case study farms.

What you’ll receive

  • Baseline carbon emissions assessment for your farm (FY26)

  • Access to expert advisors to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and emissions reductions

  • Follow-up carbon emission assessment after implementing changes (FY27)

  • Ongoing support throughout the project from the skilled project team

  • Estimated value of around $30,000 worth of consulting and assessment work

What we’re asking for

  • You’ll share de-identified data and findings that will be used in a case study to help other farmers

  • You’ll participate in and share your experience with other farmers at events such as farm walks and field days

  • Commit between 50 - 75 hours (depending on the complexity of your business) over 18 months to the project. Total time commitment includes meeting with advisors, supplying financial and farm management data (similar to what you would expect to do as end-of-year tax preparation) and project events. See FAQ 2 for more detail

  • Depending on your operation’s scale and complexity, you may need to make a co-contribution towards the carbon emission assessments cost - we’ll discuss this with you

Key information

  • Case study involvement will run from April 2026 to October 2027

  • You’ll participate in quarterly meetings with advisors throughout the project

  • You’ll be expected to provide financial and farm management data to complete the emissions assessments

  • To be eligible to participate you must be commercially farming in Tasmania

  • Check out the Frequently Asked Questions below for further details on what is involved

Interested? Complete an Expression of Interest

  • EOI open 23 February 2026

  • EOI close 8PM AEDT, 15 March 2026

  • After you submit your EOI the project team will review all applications. You may receive a phone call to discuss your farm and suitability

  • Successful participants will be notified by 2 April 2026

Expression of Interest Form

FAQs

How much will it cost to participate?

1

The Carbon that Counts project is funded by the Australian Government’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program, which allows us to cover the cost of emissions assessments and consultant support. Participating farms will receive approximately $30,000 worth of services. 

In the instance that your operation is very large or complex, you may need to contribute some costs. We'll discuss this with you if your EOI is shortlisted.

How much time will I need to commit?

2

Conducting a carbon account is similar to preparing for tax - your need to gather financial records and farm management data. The good news is it gets easier as you establish systems and processes, and our team is here to help you every step of the way.

Over the 18-month case study period, expect to spend 50 - 75 hours total. This roughly breaks down to:

  • Initial meeting, fact-finding, data identification & gathering: 7 - 15 hours

  • Monthly data updates: 1 - 2 hours per month

  • Quarterly advisor meetings: 1 - 2 hours each (4 meetings)

  • Ad hoc questions and clarifications: 5 - 10 hours over life of project

  • Participation in a workshop, farm walk or similar at the end of the project

Many farms find the time investment worthwhile because it improves their overall farm data collection process and record keeping.

When will my involvement start? When will it finish?

3

The project as whole commenced in October 2025 and will end in March 2028. The case study farms will be required to work with the project team between April 2026 and around October 2027.

Will my data be kept confidential?

4

Yes, the project team follow strict professional standards and confidentiality protocols to protect your information and data.

Any farmer information used in case studies will be de-identified and aggregated by default to maintain your confidentiality. Only with your permission will non-aggregated information be used.

What happens to the case study - will my farm be identified?

5

Case studies will share lessons learnt, results, and trends from the project - what levers were pulled and the resulting carbon, productivity and profitability trends. They're intended to help other farmers understand carbon accounting in practice on-farm, make more informed farm management decisions, and start carbon accounting with confidence.

Case studies will be publicly available and shared by the project partners, and may also be used by the Australian Government. By default, all farmer information will be de-identified and presented in aggregated form to protect your confidentiality. Where you provide permission, non-aggregated information may be used. You may also choose to be identified by name to help promote the project — we will always check with you before doing so.

What sort of farms are you looking for?

6

We're aiming for diversity across:

  • Enterprise type: dairy, beef, sheep, cropping, horticulture, mixed operations

  • Region: north-west, north, south Tasmania

  • Scale: from smaller family farms to larger commercial operations

  • Carbon experience: complete beginners to those who've done some carbon work

We particularly want to include farms that represent the reality of Tasmanian agriculture, not just 'perfect' operations. If you're interested, apply - we'll work with you to assess whether the project is a good fit for you and your business.

Can I participate if I have already completed a carbon baseline or am carbon farming?

7

Yes. We're looking for farms at different stages of their carbon journey - from those who've never measured emissions to those with existing baselines. If you're already carbon farming (generating carbon credits), you can still participate as the emissions accounting work is complementary.

What financial and management data do you need access to?

8

To complete a carbon emission assessment we need access to a range of financial (transaction) and farm management information.

Generally this includes:

  • Access to your financial record keeping software (such as Xero, MYOB)

  • Records of kWh consumed electricity, litres of fuels purchased, quantities and types of inputs such as fertilisers

  • Asset listings to identify potential refrigerant assets

  • Land management information including property size and land use breakdown

  • Current operational management data:

    • Livestock – weight data points, and regularly maintained records on births, deaths, age class, purchases and sales

    • Cropping / Horticulture - understanding / detail on the agreements in place for growing arrangements (i.e. commercial v lease), detail of crops planted (type, area), applications (type, rates), and yield information

Questions?

Reach out to the Carbon that Counts team for more information

Contact
Hannah Lewis
info@westpine.com.au
0448 311 515

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Carbon that Counts is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.

The project commenced in October 2025 and is running until March 2028. It is being delivered by West Pine in collaboration with RMCG, Southern Farming Systems and Cradle Coast NRM.