A carbon-forestry initiative in Tasmania’s north has been expanded Tasmania-wide. Branded ActivAcre, the program offers farmers and landowners an opportunity to earn a reliable, consistent income by leasing land for tree plantations and future focused carbon forestry projects. Source: Timberbiz
Landowners receive a risk-free, no-cost income while also reaping the benefits of increased productivity through improved shade, shelter and water as will environmental outcomes such as climate change mitigation, and improving biodiversity, soil conservation and water quality.
Tasmanian landowners have long needed to consider options for new and diverse revenue streams so as not to be reliant on one industry.
Now is as an important time as any to look at these opportunities.
Carbon Forestry is an innovative way to generate a long-term reliable income, whilst adding to the productivity of existing farm activities and enhancing environmental outcomes.
Previously restricted to the north of the state, the opportunity is now accessible to landowners throughout Tasmania.
The program is managed by Tasmanian-owned plantation and natural assets management company SFM, which currently employs 29 staff and manages over 50,000 hectares of plantation resources across southern Australia.
“ActivAcre was developed in collaboration with farmers as we recognised a large portion of Tasmanian land, between 10-20%, was underutilised,” Andrew Morgan, Managing Director of SFM, said.
“We sought to consider ways to maximise the productivity of all land with positive environmental and social impacts”.
ActivAcre ensures flexibility and customisation, offering Tasmanian landowners tailor-made lease agreements that may include a share in trees or carbon credits, as well as the construction of roads and fences, as needed, as part of the lease offer.
Jason Bolch, SFM’s Acquisitions Manager, has worked in the forest industry for more than two decades.
“We make it easy for the landowners,” he said. “The Forest Practices Plan, carbon paperwork, lease agreements are all managed by our team. We assume all the administration, as well as the on-ground work from site establishment, to planting, and ongoing maintenance, with no associated costs or fees.
Underpinning ActivAcre is Sydney-based New Forests, a global investment manager of nature-based real assets and natural capital strategies.
New Forests’ vision is to see investment in land use and forestry as key to the transition to a sustainable future. Integrating trees on farms is more than just an income source. It plays a key role in reducing salinity, waterlogging, wind, and water erosion.
Trees improve water efficiency, enhance soil quality, and provide shelter for livestock and crops. When harvested, the wood products replace carbon-intensive materials, contributing to the production of natural, recyclable, and renewable alternatives.
“ActivAcre focuses on generating value from both carbon and timber products,” Mr Morgan said.
“This is critical given where we are at with climate change and the future demand for timber in Australia. We need to have programs like this that are flexible in nature and strive to partner with landowners and the community – the right tree in the right place for the right reasons.”
Southern Tasmanian landowners interested in learning more about the ActivAcre program are encouraged to attend an information session on 1 November 2023 from 10:30am to 12:00pm at Curringa Farm, 5831 Lyell Hwy, Hamilton TAS 7140. To secure a spot, RSVP to [email protected] by 30 October.
