Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Moore for her supplementary question. The biggest opportunities for farmers and land managers are the unparalleled prospects for the Carbon Farming Initiative provided by this Gillard government. The Carbon Farming Initiative is win-win. It provides opportunities to reduce emissions and gain additional incomes for farmers. There is a real demand. The doormats should hear the demand out there for the CFI and for the on-ground work. The Gillard government, after establishing this program, is supporting it through a $1.7 billion land sector package. I refer to the Australian Financial Review, where Mr Nick Thomas, a partner of a leading law firm, said the current level of interest in the CFI is very high. I have seen firsthand the interest in the Carbon Farming Initiative right across Australia. Most recently, I announced $70 million in grants for research and on-the-ground study, while meeting—(Time expired)