Extension and Outreach Program

The extension and outreach program is about providing clear, credible and current information relating to practices that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon. This could lead to participation in the CFI. Extension information can include results from Filling the Research Gap and Action on the Ground projects. Guidelines are non-prescriptive with the understanding that people on the ground know what’s required to achieve these aims.

Component 1: Information, tools and extension activities

Short term (to June 2015) projects to increase awareness and build capacity of land managers and key influencers in emissions management and CFI participation. E.g.:

·         producing booklets, DVDs and web products

·         producing decision support tools and calculators

·         hosting workshops,

·         maintaining, expanding or creating new communication delivery channels, e.g. social media.

Component 2: Extension providers and service delivery

Long term projects to inform and promote emissions management and participation in the CFI. An essential part of Component 2 will be one-to-one extension services.

There may be an initial emphasis on up-skilling extension providers, expand existing extension capabilities, and raising the profile of the project. However, it is expected that activities will move swiftly to the main phase of service delivery.

Component 3: Targeted industry and regional initiatives

Short term, high impact projects that deliver advice or assistance to a specific industry sector or region, such as a seminar series. Activities may also provide short-term support of isolated issues or opportunities.

Eligible entities

·         businesses or private organisations, such as an agri-business or a farm advisor/consulting company

·         farming groups or industry associations

·         natural resource management organisations

·         Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisations

·         research, development and extension organisations

Collaboration is encouraged.

Departments of state or territory governments are not eligible to apply but can be a partner. They will need to lodge a letter of support with the project and develop a separate contract with the proponent. In-kind assistance is not essential.

To be eligible, a project must seek program funding of at least $100 000 (GST exclusive) per year (on average) for the duration of the project. There is no upper limit, subject to value-for-money and the availability of funds.

Key Dates

Projects could start in April/May 2013 and run to June 2017.

Final date for applications to be considered in the first assessment: Wednesday 19 December 2012

Subsequent assessment rounds (two per year) while funds remain.

More information is available here