A REGIONAL APPROACH TO CARBON
The Southern Forests Food Council (SFFC) have developed one of the first non-government, regionally focused Carbon Strategies. Our goal? To cut through the confusion, provide clear guidance, and help producers determine if and when to start their carbon journey.
SOUTHERN FORESTS REGIONAL CARBON STRATEGY
The SFFC is a pivotal organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fostering a thriving community in the Southern Forests region. Comprised of local farmers, producers, and community leaders, the SFFC works collaboratively to enhance the quality and sustainability of food production in the area. The Southern Forests region is renowned for its world-class produce, playing a vital role in the economic and social fabric of the Shire of Manjimup, the Western Australian State, and Australia as a whole.
A central initiative of the SFFC is our Southern Forests Carbon Strategy and is designed to assist efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability across multiple sectors of our region. From 2024 to 2025, with the support of key regional, state, and federal stakeholders, the SFFC aims to be recognised as a leader in assisting the region in its carbon reduction efforts, sharing our knowledge and practices both nationally and internationally to help and learn from others. To achieve this, we will form strategic alliances with regional producers, the Shire of Manjimup, the Western Australian State Government, and the Federal Government as well as the wholesalers and retailers in the supply chain. These partnerships will be crucial in securing funding and advancing our carbon strategy, ensuring widespread impact and long-term success.
Southern Forests Produce
Southern Forests Produce
Southern Forests Produce
Southern Forests Produce
Southern Forests Produce
SOUTHERN FORESTS PILOT PROJECT
To make this real, we’re launching a pilot program for our local producers to establish baselines. Having a baseline is a key step in protecting market access. We’ll also work with local, state, and national partners to keep our region ahead of the curve. This is about supporting our farmers and securing a strong future for our community.
SEEKING EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
The Southern Forests Food Council (SFFC) invites producers to participate in a pilot program aimed at advancing the SFFC Carbon Strategy. This initiative will support the development of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Accounts and identify a suitable carbon calculator that can be adopted across the Southern Forests region. The pilot will enhance producers’ ability to make informed decisions and respond effectively to the challenges of a changing climate.
Why Participate?
By joining this pilot, producers will:
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Gain valuable insights into your GHG emissions and carbon footprint.
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Have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of a national carbon calculator relevant for producers in our region.
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Gain insights into how factors like your budget, the season, climate, herd size, and crop type influence your carbon emissions.
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Contribute to the development of region-wide carbon management tools.
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Identify areas of high emissions for individual producers and potentially the region.
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Share knowledge about innovative farming practices while building resilience to climate challenges.
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Support a sustainable future for the Southern Forests region.
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Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: This pilot is designed as a collaborative process, allowing producers to share knowledge, insights, and ideas. Feedback from participants will assist the SFFC in identifying carbon-related issues that can be presented to Local, State, and Federal representatives for action.
Who Can Apply?
We are seeking up to 10 producers from the Southern Forests region to participate in this initiative, this includes participants from Bridgetown, Greenbushes, Manjimup, Nannup, Northcliffe, Pemberton and Walpole.
If you are interested in being part of this pilot, we encourage you to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). For more information or to apply, please contact Laura Bolitho, General Manager, Southern Forests Food Council at (08) 9772 4180 or laura@southernforestsfood.com.
SFFC Membership
Preference for participating in the pilot will be given to SFFC members. If you are not yet a SFFC member but would like to participate in this pilot, you can become a member by contacting us.
The three phases of the pilot
The pilot will consist of three (3) phases:
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Phase 1: identify appropriate GHG accounting tools and calculator relevant to the diverse horticulture farming operations in the Southern Forests region
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Phase 2: pilot group of farmers to utilise identified calculator to develop GHG accounts and provide feedback on the process and tools
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Phase 3: share outcomes with broader network including high emission areas.
DOWNLOAD SFFC CARBON PILOT EOI OVERVIEW.
SFFC CARBON PILOT 2025 EOI FORM
To register your interest in participating in the SFFC Carbon Pilot, please complete the following form by 3:00 PM on 23 April 2025. You will be notified of the outcome of your application by 30 April 2025.
For further details, please contact Laura Bolitho, General Manager, Southern Forests Food Council at (08) 9772 4180 or laura@southernforestsfood.com.
The Southern Forests Carbon Strategy Pilot Project is supported by the
Australian Government's Future Drought Fund
