Carbon8

Carbon8 is leading the way in regenerative agriculture, focusing on a holistic approach that goes beyond simply improving soil health and removing toxic chemicals from the food chain. Carbon8 has a mission is to regenerate the land — Country — through practices that restore ecosystems and enhance biodiversity.

At the heart of this mission is their robust ‘Regen Grown’ verification system [link when available], which ensures that farming practices are truly regenerative. This is what underpins their role as an Assurance Partner for showcased producers on Discover Regenerative – see more detail below.

Carbon8 are also driving several regenerative program areas. Through these initiatives, Carbon8 is not just transforming agriculture but also contributing to the regeneration of our natural and cultural heritage:

Community of Practice

The Community of Practice is a collaborative initiative where farmers can share knowledge, experiences, and best practices around their transition to regenerative agriculture.

The Community of Practice offers resources and guidance to farmers at various stages of their regenerative journey. It encourages collaboration among farmers to find practical and natural solutions for farming challenges.

The Totem Project

The Totem Project connects farmers with the original Totem of the land they steward, through reference with the 8 Indigenous Elders from across Australia that sit on the Wisdom Council.

This supports regenerative projects that protect and revive these vital cultural and ecological symbols. The effort ensures that the Totem, along with the land, thrives once again.

National Regenerative Agriculture Day

Carbon8 founded National Regenerative Agriculture Day (NRAD), a national day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of soil health, promoting biodiversity, and educating the public on the dangers of chemicals in our food chain.

Carbon8 as an Assurance Partner

Carbon8 have developed a Regen Grown Verification System [link when available] that provides a comprehensive and rigorous framework to verify that producers are genuinely practicing regenerative agriculture. It ensures that their farming methods positively impact ecosystems, biodiversity, and communities.

The verification system includes a 3 month process with an Outcomes Matrix grounded in eight key measurements, each vital to assessing a farm’s regenerative practices:

Farmer Knowledge and Wellbeing: Carbon8 emphasises the importance of the farmer’s understanding and application of regenerative principles, requiring a detailed Regenerative Farm Plan. The framework also considers the farmer’s wellbeing, recognising its crucial role in the success of regenerative agriculture.

Soil Organic Carbon: Soil health is central to regenerative agriculture. Carbon8 measures soil organic carbon to assess improvements in soil fertility and carbon sequestration, which are critical for the long-term sustainability and productivity of the farm.

Biodiversity: A healthy ecosystem relies on biodiversity. Carbon8 evaluates the diversity of plant and animal species on the farm, ensuring that practices are enhancing ecological variety and supporting wildlife, including native, threatened and endangered species.

Water Management: Sustainable water management is essential for resilient agriculture. Carbon8 assesses how effectively a farm manages water resources, focusing on water retention, infiltration, and erosion control. Proper water management supports a sustainable water cycle and helps the farm withstand drought conditions.

Chemical Reduction: Minimising or eliminating synthetic chemicals is a key goal of regenerative agriculture. Carbon8 evaluates the extent to which producers have reduced their reliance on chemical inputs, emphasising the use of natural alternatives that support ecosystem health.

Carbon Balance: Maintaining a positive carbon balance is essential for long-term ecological sustainability. Carbon8 measures the farm’s carbon emissions and sequestration, striving for practices that ensure the farm is absorbing more carbon than it emits.

Nutrient Density: Regenerative practices should lead to healthier, more nutrient-dense crops. Carbon8 assesses the nutritional quality of produce, ensuring that regenerative methods enhance food quality and provide health benefits to consumers.

Indigenous Engagement: Carbon8 recognises the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices into regenerative farming. The framework evaluates the extent of Indigenous engagement, ensuring respect for cultural heritage and promoting inclusive farming practices.

Assessing the key measurements

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