Cropping vs grazing: Who is eligible for water quality projects?

Water quality credits under the Grazing Land Management (GLM) method are specific to grazing enterprises. The method is built around the relationship between grazing pressure, ground cover, and water quality outcomes. Cropping enterprises operate under different land management dynamics and are not eligible under this method.

Grazing enterprises

Commercial grazing operations running cattle, sheep, or goats on pasture are eligible to participate in a stacked project, provided the property meets the other eligibility criteria - catchment area, property size, and willingness to share data and implement practice changes.

Cropping enterprises

Cropping operations are not eligible for water quality credits under the GLM method. A separate water quality credit methodology for cropping may be available in future, but this is outside the scope of the current programme.

Mixed enterprises

Properties running both grazing and cropping on separate allotments may be eligible to participate on the grazing portion of the property. Each situation is assessed individually. Contact AgriProve or Verterra to discuss your specific enterprise.

Soil carbon eligibility

Soil carbon ACCU projects are available to both grazing and cropping enterprises under the ACCU Scheme. If you are a cropping operation interested in soil carbon only, AgriProve can assess your property independently of the water quality programme.

Key points

• Water quality credits under the GLM method are available to grazing enterprises only.

• Cropping operations are not eligible for water quality credits under the current method.

• Mixed enterprises may be eligible on their grazing allotments -- each case is assessed individually.

• Soil carbon ACCU projects are available to both grazing and cropping properties.