The Federal Government has announced the second round of competitive grants for the $201 million Filling the Research Gap program.

 

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, announced that $50 million in competitive grants have now been made available.

 

“More research is needed to unlock new opportunities for farmers and other land managers to participate in the Carbon Farming Initiative,” Senator Ludwig said.

 

“With the right know how, those on the land can earn a second income through carbon credits, generated by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and storing carbon in the landscape.

 

 

“Filling the Research Gap will provide eligible Australian research organisations with funding to address specific knowledge gaps. This will support the development of offset methodologies under the Carbon Farming Initiative, and provide more ways for farmers and land holders to get involved.”

 

The second round of Filling the Research Gap will fund research that improves the ability of Australian agriculture to adapt to a changing climate, counteract its negative effects, and grasp new opportunities through the development of adaptation choices and technologies.

 

“We have already seen outstanding contributions to climate research in Australia through the Climate Change Research Program, and projects under the first round of Filling the Research Gap are beginning to build on these efforts,” Senator Ludwig said.

 

Applications for the second round of funding close on Wednesday 23 January 2013. To find out more about eligibility and how to apply, visit Filling the Research Gap on the DAFF website.