After 4 and a half years of dedication to support landholders in establishing carbon farming projects in Australia, the Carbon Farming Foundation (the CFF) is announcing the conclusion of its carbon services operations. We are proud of the significant strides we’ve made in the carbon farming and biodiversity space in Australia, working alongside individuals and organisations to help address the critical twin issues of climate change and biodiversity loss. In establishing native tree, plantation, soil carbon and Accounting for Nature projects, the CFF and its passionate team has played a key role in driving meaningful environmental impact at scale, and we are grateful for the partnerships and progress that has been achieved in this time.
When we set out on this journey, our intent was to disrupt the carbon farming industry and encourage carbon farming at scale by providing an alternative approach for landowners. With a flexible, fee-for-service model, no ‘lock-in’ contracts and a fervent desire to improve financial returns to landowners we set about demystifying the many carbon misconceptions and barriers. We assembled a high-quality technical team, invested in software and developed a highly-regarded Education Hub to ensure landowners could enter the arena equipped with the knowledge and expertise they needed to be successful. This has culminated in the registration of 25 carbon projects and over 20,000 Ha of carbon projects established across Australia with CFF’s support.
So why is CFF concluding service operations now? Ultimately, we hold a firm belief that the carbon farming opportunity is more accessible than when we started, and as a not-for-profit charity we can more effectively utilise philanthropic resources in adjacent spaces where the need for financial support is greater.
As we conclude this chapter of the CFF’s services, we are excited to share that two of our most experienced and senior CFF team members Helena Bowler and Samuel Bean have founded a new business Refolia to continue this critical project support work. This transition marks the continuation of our mission to support landowners to establish and manage carbon projects in Australia, but with a fresh vision. Refolia’s leadership, rooted firmly in the CFF’s expertise and values, will ensure that the important work we have commenced will remain in capable hands.
Although CFF is stepping away from the carbon services space, its remaining team will continue its efforts to fight climate change through philanthropic means and pinpoint interventions, advocacy and nature-focused activities during this critical decade.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our loyal clients, employees and partners for their trust and collaboration over the years and we encourage you to continue the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. Carry on and reduce emissions! Plant lots of native trees! The legacy of the CFF’s carbon farming work lives on through the dedication of Refolia, and we are confident that they will continue to thrive in delivering high quality carbon and biodiversity projects alongside Australian landowners.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Norman Pater, Founder
