Farmers across the New England are increasingly embracing regenerative agriculture, but for some, the challenge is ensuring those efforts are properly recognised, measured and supported over the long term with a verification and certification program that works for them.
More producers are investing time and resources into rebuilding soil health, reducing reliance on synthetic inputs and restoring biodiversity. While the results on farm are becoming more visible, many farmers are still navigating systems that struggle to measure and value regenerative practices in a consistent and practical way that works for both farmer and consumer.
Carbon8 was founded during the 2017 NSW and Queensland drought to address that challenge, supporting farmers to tackle the root causes of drought and land degradation while building more resilient farming systems. The organisation’s Verified RegenGrown program is now opening registrations for its next cohort.
“Regenerative agriculture is more than a set of practices; it’s a pathway to healthier landscapes, healthier people and a more resilient food system,” regeneration advocate and Carbon8 spokesperson Helen McCosker said.
“Farmers are already leading this change. What’s been missing is a system that genuinely recognises their work and supports them to keep improving.”
Unlike one-off certifications or marketing labels, Verified RegenGrown is designed as a farmer-centred, outcomes-based program. Participants complete a three-month onboarding process supported by on-farm measurement kits, digital mapping tools and expert coaching.
The program focuses on learning, transparency and continuous improvement rather than compliance alone.
“Many farmers are ready for verification that reflects what’s actually happening on their land,” Ms McCosker said.
“This program is about meeting farmers where they are and giving them tools that strengthen both their landscapes and their businesses.”
As consumer expectations, supply chain scrutiny and climate pressures increase, verification is becoming less about proving claims and more about creating a shared language between farmers, markets and communities.
Livestock producer Byron Hubbard from Willow Tree said the Carbon8 program provided practical tools and a clear pathway for farmers wanting to improve their operations.
“The Carbon8 course is simple, clear, and hands-on, giving you real ownership over change. It’s thoughtfully designed,” Mr Hubbard said.
“The regen-verified label isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way to show that your food comes from Australian farmers actively regenerating the land.
“Every purchase supports truly regenerative practices and gives consumers confidence in their choices.”
Fellow Liverpool Plains livestock farmer Jill Macintyre said the program had also provided valuable opportunities to learn from other producers.
“I’ve been farming a long time, and while experience counts for a lot, it’s refreshing to learn what others are doing and to keep expanding our understanding,” Ms Macintyre said.
“For us, it’s about seeing the whole farm as one connected system and working with nature, not against it.”
She said caring for soil health was central to the family’s approach.
“As a family, we’ve brought the children into the business because we truly believe there’s a strong future for young people in agriculture.”
“Caring for the soil is our biggest priority, maintaining ground cover and doing everything we can to prevent erosion.”
“The Carbon8 course has been a real eye-opener, a valuable learning experience that I would definitely recommend.”
Registrations are now open for the next Verified RegenGrown cohort, which begins online on April 24. The program includes six fortnightly sessions running through to July.
An Introduction to RegenGrown information session featuring professional agrologist Kevin Elmy of Cover Crops Canada will be held on April 9 and 10 at Warrah Creek Hall and on-farm from 9am to 4pm.
A farmer meet and greet and toolkit pickup session will also be held at the Tamworth Hotel on May 15 from 10am to noon.
To learn more and to sign up, please visit: https://carbon8.org.au
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