Setback for our baselining trials

The Carbon Coalition made a Round 5 application to the Central West CMA for funding for soil carbon trials on 8 properties to prove that accelerated sequestration techniques such as time controlled grazing, pasture cropping, biological farming, biodynamics and compost teas can raise soil C scores rapidly. We were encouraged by the CMA to make it and were very confident - and worked on the assumption that the baselining trials would be starting soon. But we were unsuccessful. It was our second knockback on soil carbon, as we made a submission in Round 4 as well. We now understand why. The CMA's brief does not include fighting global warmingor figthing for carbon credit for agricultural soils. So they can't be criticised for sticking to a strict, narrow and conventional reading of their role. Instead we will seek the research funding we need from the private sector and fundraising.

What a difference when we presented to the NSW Premier's Expert Panel on CLimate Change 3 weeks ago and received a fantastic response. Adam Spencer (ABC Science and radio person) asked "What could you do with $650 million?" The DPI representative Annette Cowie gave us the thumbs up when asked "Does the science on this check out?" The presentation was arranged by Tony Lovell, a HM trainer from the Gold Coast who we met at the Carbon Forum at Kingaroy, and was attended by Bruce Ward, HM trainer from Sydney. Tony did a magnificent job presenting. Stunning.

We have since been contacted by the DPI team working on Greenhouse Response Options for landholders. We get to do another presentation.

We are moving ahead with our 25 000 acres pilot trade with Chicago Climate Exchange on no-till farming land. WE are at the stage of finding the 'peer reviewed' data that they need. We are looking for a soil scientist to help us pull the data together.

We're interested in forming alliance with scientists. We have a group of scientists willing to help us FIND WAYS to show that
our soils can sequester C. We are up against the establishment view that Australian soils can't sequester much carbon. We are planning to have a one day forum between scientists who want to help, and practitioners - narrow the gap between the two and forge alliances to move forward. This could happen in February.

You should also know that Patrice Newell (a HM and BD practitioner) has asked Michael to stand on her ticket (Climate Change Coalition) for the NSW Legislative Council elections in March. The CCC is a coalition of independents and it gives us a platform to promote the Carbon Coalition and SOil Carbon Credits because we are helping develop their policy on carbon trading and renewables. Patrice is a high profile beef and olive grower in the Hunter. We'll see how this goes, then consider the Senate Elections in November 07. Hopefully by then we wont need to. We need volunteers to person the booth. Please email me if you can help.

Don't forget - we need anecdotal data/evidence for soil carbon. And I give you this tip. If there's a farmed-out and buggered property nearby, keep yoru eye on it. The day we announce soil carbon credits there will be a land rush that will make the squatters land grab in the late 18th/early19th century look like an egg and spoon race. People who know about soil carbon and how to grow it and can identify low hanging fruit will prosper.