An innovative tree planting project being developed by Forestry Tasmania will deliver significant benefits to farmers and help offset global warming.
In his presentation to the Government Business Enterprises hearing today, Energy and Resources Minister David Llewellyn said that one of the most practical ways for farmers to adjust to climate changes was to plant trees on agricultural land.
“Around Australia, 60 to 70 million tonnes of carbon is emitted every year from deforestation,” Llewellyn said.
“Almost all of these emissions are from land clearing for agricultural use.
“There are many opportunities to plant more trees on farms for carbon sequestration, which will make a significant contribution to offsetting these carbon emissions.”
Llewellyn said that when developed as part of an integrated farm management plan, the Trees on Farms project would not only help mitigate climate change, but would deliver a range of other benefits to farmers.
“These benefits include the opportunity to reclaim weed-infested land, secure a new revenue stream, provide shelter for stock and crops and increase the capital value of land.
“Trees on Farms will operate as a joint venture between Forestry Tasmania and landowners and will allow farmers to tap into Forestry Tasmania’s expertise in sustainable forest management.
“Trees will be established at no cost to farmers, who in return will protect the growing trees from stock and browsing animals.
“The trees will be harvested in 15 to 30 years’ time, with the profits to be shared between Forestry Tasmania and the landowner.
“Trees on Farms will provide a commercial solution to a range of environmental problems.”
Forestry Tasmania is currently assessing land suitable for inclusion in the Trees on Farms program, which will be officially launched in the near future.
