Farmland in northern Tasmania represents approximately 46 per cent of Tasmania’s total farmland and generates approximately $800M annually to the Tasmanian economy, whilst conservation areas and natural environments account for approximately 35 per cent of the region.

Farming systems operate on, or adjacent to many highly valued natural environments in the region, home to over 500 listed plant and animal species, including:

• Four globally significant sites
• Five Ramsar listed wetlands
• 900,000 ha of native forests

Farming businesses depend on northern Tasmania’s natural resources. This project contributes to the aim of the Australian Government’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program, to support farmers to drive agricultural growth, while adopting sustainable natural resource management practices that protect and conserve natural capital and biodiversity.

By June 2026:

• At least 30 farmers in northern Tasmania will have identified the natural capital and biodiversity assets on their farms, and prioritised NRM practices that will improve their value.
• At least 5 demonstration sites will be established on at least 30 Ha, showcasing NRM practices that protect and conserve natural capital and biodiversity assets.
• Farmers will better understand tools, technologies and practices to engage in emerging carbon and biodiversity markets, and sustainability frameworks.

By June 2028:

• Farmers engaged in the project have adopted priority NRM practices to protect and conserve at least 362 hectares of natural capital and biodiversity assets.
• At least 100 landholders in the northern Tasmania region have increased awareness and confidence in adopting practical NRM practices.
• Farmers engaged in the project have improved their capability through accessing carbon and biodiversity incentives, and implemented industry sustainability frameworks.

This project will establish five farmer-led demonstration sites, on at least 30 Ha, to showcase best practices in sustainable land management. These sites will serve as hubs for knowledge exchange, field days and training workshops, and demonstration sites for practical techniques for improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity and accessing sustainability markets.

Working with NRM North’s Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators (SAF), participating landholders will be supported to identify and document on-farm natural assets, and to prioritise actions that will protect and enhance their on-farm natural capital. Additionally, farmers will be supported to make informed decisions about accessing emerging environmental markets and adopting sustainability frameworks.

• Building skills and knowledge to assist in understanding your soil health, including nutrient, carbon and biological factors.
• Gaining a better understanding of the condition of the biodiversity and habitat values on your property.
• Guidance and support for enhancing native vegetation in riparian and remnant vegetation stands on your property, including the implementation of appropriate fire regimes, managing weeds, and supplementary planting of native species to restore native vegetation condition.
• Improved knowledge and readiness for accessing carbon and biodiversity markets.
• Recognition of your commitment to environmental stewardship.