The Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) is the Australian Government’s key investment platform for achieving its natural resource management, sustainable agriculture and environmental protection outcomes.
The current phase of the NHT includes $1 billion for Phase 2 of the National Landcare Program, which funds a range of natural resource management projects to June 2023.
For the next phase of the NHT, the Australian Government is partnering with industry to drive the transition to a more climate resilient, productive and sustainable agriculture sector. This will be done by investing in new programs that build climate resilience, increase market access and agricultural growth, while supporting sustainability outcomes.
The 2023-24 Budget includes $302.1 million over five years from 2023-24 for climate-smart, sustainable agriculture investments under the NHT. The Climate-Smart Agriculture package will drive agricultural productivity, competitiveness and sustainability by supporting farmers to:
- adopt climate-smart practices that reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change
- understand and benefit from participation in carbon and biodiversity markets
- apply natural resource management practices that improve soil health and protect natural capital and biodiversity.
Investments will also strengthen First Nations engagement and participation to enable the agriculture sector to draw benefits from traditional knowledge and support First Nations agricultural enterprise.
Through effective on-ground projects, the government will support farmers to manage climate risks and invest in their on-farm natural capital and effective natural resources management, helping the sector to respond to climate change, better withstand future bushfires, floods and droughts and protect its productivity.
Further information
- Climate-smart sustainable agriculture component of the NHT
- Environmental and joint components of the NHT
Further information on funding opportunities under the next phase of the NHT will be provided on this webpage in the coming months.