Applications are now open for $2 million in competitive grants for biochar research, under the Australian Government's Carbon Farming Initiative. Biochar is a stable type of char made by burning organic materials, such as wood or crop waste in a low oxygen environment. It can be added to soil to sequester carbon and improve soil health. It has the potential to help mitigate Australia's greenhouse gas emissions while benefiting agricultural production, according to Federal Agriculture Minister, Senator Joe Ludwig.

Grants under the Biochar Capacity Building Program will fund the research that is needed to investigate how biochars can reduce carbon emissions, and to support the development of biochar offset methodologies. The development of robust methodologies is key to helping land managers participate in the carbon market through the Carbon Farming Initiative.

"By selling the credits [generated through biochar], farmers and landholders can receive an income for taking action to reduce Australia's carbon emissions." Said Minister Ludwig.

For more information about eligibility and applying for funding, visit the Biochar Capacity Building Program website.