1
Q
How do you establish a present net position for carbon
A
A baseline needs to be established, could be done using a carbon calculator (agricalc / cool farm tool) or use specialist consultant
2
Q
What information is required to establish a present net position for carbon - 6
A
- Land use data (acreages of crop, woodland, grassland, peatland etc)
- Crop and livestock details (cropping inputs e.g. ferts and sprays), livestock numbers, manure handling)
- Energy use (electricity, heating, fuel for machinery)
- Buildings (energy consumption of farmhouse and cottages)
- Carbon sequestration potential (from woodland, grassland and peat bog)
- Waste Management (slurry/lagoons, recycling etc)
3
Q
Give some practical steps to reach net zero carbon - 9
A
- reduce synthetic fertiliser use (adopt precision applications)
- Explore regenerative practices (min til, nitrogen fixing crops)
- Improve grazing management (adopt rotation grazing)
- Optimize livestock diets to reduce methane
- Upgrade to renewables (solar on farm buildings, improve insulation)
- Manage existing woodland for carbon sequestration and biodiversity (selective plantings)
- Restore degraded peatbog
- Transition to low carbon fuels
- Better manure handling (AD/covered storage)
4
Q
What business opportunities might be available for net zero carbon - 4
A
- generate income from carbon sequestration from woodland, peatland or grassland
- Sell surplus renewable energy back to the grid
- ‘Carbon neutral’ premium markets for eco conscious consumers
- Woodland and peatland tourism potential
5
Q
What advice would you give a client looking to achieve net zero
A
- Seek clarification for carbon neutrality to provide credibility
- Balance participation in carbon offset markets to avoid double counting
- Monitor policy developments to maximise funding
