Natalie Browne

Modelling the biophysical and economic impact of on-farm greenhouse gas abatement

Agriculture is the dominant source in Australia of two greenhouse gases: methane and nitrous oxide. If agriculture is not included in the Federal Government’s proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, it will come under other policy options aimed at reducing agricultural emissions. Either way, the agricultural sector in Australia faces an emissions constrained future.

Natalie’s research will use modelling to calculate on-farm emissions and evaluate the net impact that various management approaches will have on reducing emissions. Selected case study farming systems will be used to compare livestock dominant and crop dominant farming systems, exploring impacts and profitability on these as affected by climate change policies.

Natalie’s research falls into the CRC’s Program 1, Program 2 and Program 9 research areas.

Objectives:

• Determine the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by a typical farm in various livestock and crop-dominant farming systems 
• Assess the financial implications to farmers of including agriculture in an Emissions Trading Scheme or under other policies designed to reduce emissions
• Examine land use changes that may occur as a result of carbon costs.

For more information, email Natalie.