Media Release: 06/07/2022
A first-of-its-kind Tasmanian program incentivising northern farmers to grow trees on their farms launches today.
The ActivAcre Program sees farmers lease part of their less productive land in return for a reliable, annual income. In addition to increasing the productivity of existing farm activities, the program aims to enhance environmental outcomes such as climate change mitigation and improving biodiversity, soil conservation and water quality.
The program is being managed by Tasmanian-owned plantation and natural assets management company SFM, which currently employs 25 staff and manages over 50,000 hectares of plantation resources across southern Australia.
As part of the initiative, ActivAcre and SFM will plant new trees on under-utilised farming land, to create a regular income for farmers enabling them to share in the benefits of both timber and carbon markets.
Managing Director of SFM, Andrew Morgan said ActivAcre had been co-created with a group of farmers to enable trees to be integrated within the agriculture landscape in a manner that works for them.
“In developing the program with farmers we identified there was between 10-20 per cent of unproductive farmland in Tasmania. We need to consider ways to maximise the productivity of all land without negative environmental or social impacts,” he said.
“This requires a level of flexibility that enables landowners to have trees in their landscape that won’t impact other farming pursuits, in fact, it’ll enhance them.
With climate change and the growing future demand for timber in Australia, we need programs like this which are flexible in nature and strive to partner with landowners and the community – the right tree in the right place for the right reasons.
Underpinning ActivAcre is Sydney-headquartered New Forests, a global investment manager of nature-based real assets and natural capital strategies who developed the program over a period of two years, using its experience in managing forestry within agricultural landscapes for sustainable production.
New Forests’ Chief Executive Officer David Brand said one of the core objectives of ActivAcre was to partner with farmers and landowners so they can contribute to, and share in the rewards of, a decarbonising economy.
New Forests vision is to see investment in land use and forestry as key to the transition to a sustainable future, and we see programs like ActivAcre being an integral component of this.
Cressy farmer Rob Tole has planted more than 50ha of trees on his 560ha Greenvale property and has seen considerable benefits to his land and livestock.
Roughly 12,000 lambs graze on the fourth-generation farmer’s land every year, on top of a diverse mix of crops like peas, beans and chicory seed.
Our trees provide protection for our livestock which is particularly important during lambing and extreme weather events
Mr Tole welcomed a program like ActivAcre for farmers looking to diversify their income and have experts take care of the tree planting and monitoring process.
“It turns unproductive ground, which was previously covered in weeds like gorse, into income-producing ground,” he said.
“A program like ActivAcre means landowners can focus on their usual farming practices, diversify their income and see substantial gains to their crops, livestock, soil and water table levels.”
Professor Rod Keenan, Chair of Forest and Ecosystem Science at The University of Melbourne, said a program like ActivAcre that unites industry and farming communities is needed.
Professor Keenan has worked as a research scientist and science advisor in a number of Australian states and with the Australian Government as an advisor on forests and climate change and has undertaken research across Australia, Canada, Papua New Guinea and South-East Asia. He recently led the Next Generation Plantation Investment Research Project, which explored options for increasing trees in rural landscapes.
“By working in active partnership with farmers, the project manager can build the long-term relationships needed to make this investment model successful,” Professor Keenan said.
Co-design can ensure the trees provide benefits on-farm and more timber resources for local industry.
Northern Tasmanian farmers are encouraged to express their interest in the program by visiting activacre.com.au.
For more information, or to arrange an interview with David Brand, Rodney Keenan, Andrew Morgan or Rob Tole, contact Mark Acheson on 0400 734 116 or email mark@clairebennett.com.au
Provides additional income
Utilise lower-value land in conjunction with your current farming practices. Flexible payment terms and a share of stumpage are available. The ActivAcre Program sees the risk absorbed by New Forests, with an individualised, site-specific management approach.
Creates Shelter
Boost primary production productivity through increased yielding, stock health and birthing rates. Woodlots can improve pasture production by up to 15% thanks to substantial reductions in wind speed and evaporation, regardless of the season.
Increases water efficiencies
Strategically planted trees alongside other crops can provide a buffer from evaporation, which improves water efficiency. The potential water evaporation reduction in the Tasmanian Midlands over one year for a 25-hectare paddock was 20-35ml. When planted around streams, trees also improve water quality.
Reduces environmental impact
Trees on farms can have a positive effect on the reduction of salinity, waterlogging, wind, and water erosion. Trees can help reduce erosion by slowing wind and water flows, providing protection from wind and water, holding soil together and increasing filtration.
Improves soil
Lower soil water evaporation and transpiration behind shelterbelts and woodlots can lead to increased crop yields. Increasing organic carbon (matter) on farms means improved natural fertility and increased ability to retain water.
Clear your gorse with new technology.
SFM leading the way in employment diversity
ActivAcre in Action – A Farmer’s Journey
Access to Carbon Forestry Projects for southern Tasmanian landowners
How on-farm benefits, carbon markets and growing demand for timber have tipped the scales in favour of trees.
ActivAcre is an active partnership between industry and farmers
David Brand on ActivAcre and why success depends on everyone rising on the same tide
