Preparing for a low carbon future: GGA/OMA Carbon Workshop

Agriculture can play an important role in the transition to a net zero economy. The introduction of Australia’s Mandatory Climate Disclosure Legislation in 2025, along with years of voluntary global sustainability reporting requirements, is driving an increase in climate data requests throughout supply chains in all industries, including agriculture. This is because supply chain (Scope 3) emissions often account for up to 80-90% of large corporations total carbon footprint.  

Many suppliers, including farmers, are finding it difficult to navigate the evolving climate and sustainability requirements, how these may affect their business, and when and how to begin measuring their emissions and starting their net zero journey. 

However, there are also many new and exciting opportunities arising from this transition to a net zero economy. For example, in September 2025 the Commonwealth Government announced a $1.1B Cleaner Fuels Program to support low carbon liquid fuel production in Australia and assist with reducing emissions in hard to abate sectors such as heavy machinery, long distance transport and aviation. Much of this biofuel production will come from agricultural feedstocks. Farmers who take advantage of emerging opportunities, can experience a variety of co benefits, including developing and diversifying revenue streams and being rewarded for environmental improvements.   

About the workshop 

In this workshop, we will clarify upcoming climate regulations, explain implications for businesses including potential climate data requests and climate related risks facing businesses and provide practical steps for getting started with carbon management. We will also discuss innovative emerging bio-resource opportunities for farmers and landholders. 

Topics Covered: 

• Introduction to Climate/Sustainability Reporting 

• Government programs supporting the transition 

• Introduction to carbon measurement and data management 

• Understanding climate risk 

• Climate Target Setting 

• Creating a Decarbonisation Action Plan 

• WA Advanced biofuel strategy and national policy landscape 

• Biomass resource potential in Western Australia 

• Co-benefits and natural capital accounting 

• Launch of BioResourcesWA 

Speakers include: 

• Dr Vanessa Rauland – Industry Capability Network 

• Dr Simon Dawkins – Oil Mallee Association/BioResourcesWA 

• Prof Richard Harper – Murdoch University 

• Reinoud Blok – BioResourcesWA Board Member 

• Kerrie House - Carbon Farming and Bioenergy, Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development 

• Renzo Peterson -  WA Biotech & Continual Renewables