The Ground Truth Australia Project revolutionises the orchards growing sector in Australia through the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices. Covering over 45 orchards from Shepparton to Bundaberg, this project generates carbon credits for both emissions avoided and sequestered (removed) under Verra VM0042: Methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management.
Through their active partnership with Carbon Friendly, this network of Australian Orchards have embarked on a complete review of all on-farm activities and practices to reduce emissions, improve carbon sequestration, preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services. To achieve this, farmers implement a series of practice changes such as:
- A reduced reliance on synthetic fertiliser through the application of compost and incorporation of biological ameliorants
- The establishment of mixed species inter-row cover crops
- The enhanced recycling of crop residues and pruning material within orchards
- Improved waste management and repurposing