Submission to Carbon Farming Roadmap for South Australia Update

Livestock SA has provided a submission on the update of the Carbon Farming Roadmap for South Australia, supporting a practical, evidence-based approach that enables livestock producers to participate in carbon farming while maintaining productive, profitable and resilient farming businesses. The submission recognises the role producers already play in emissions reduction, carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection and landscape stewardship, while emphasising the need for policies that complement, rather than displace, food and fibre production. 

The submission highlights the importance of improved policy coordination, trusted information, practical emissions reduction pathways and stronger support for producers navigating an increasingly complex carbon and natural capital landscape. Livestock SA is calling for greater transparency, producer-focused extension services, clear safeguards for data and contracts, and recognition of the vital role agriculture plays in food security and regional economies. 

Key recommendations

• Publish an implementation report on the current Roadmap before finalising the update.
• Retain productivity, profitability and food security as key outcomes.
• Improve coordination and simplify guidance across government policies and programs.
• Support practical carbon farming opportunities suited to livestock production systems.
• Strengthen independent advisory services, research and extension for producers.
• Protect producer data and improve transparency in carbon and natural capital markets.
• Monitor impacts on productive agricultural land, regional communities and food production.
• Establish clear responsibilities, reporting requirements and accountability measures for future Roadmap actions.