AgCarE, developed by AgForce, is a certification program that assesses agricultural properties for carbon and biodiversity offset opportunities. By identifying these opportunities, AgCarE seeks to create economic benefits for landowners while delivering broader environmental advantages, such as improved sustainability and biodiversity.
Michael Guerin, interim CEO of AgCarE, emphasised the dual role of farmers in ensuring food security and contributing to environmental conservation. He highlighted that the partnership with WFI Insurance recognises and rewards farmers for their proactive risk management and sustainable practices.
Andrew Beer, Executive General Manager at WFI Insurance, noted that over the duration of a policy, the savings from this initiative could amount to several thousand dollars. He described the partnership as a win-win for farmers, offering rewards for progressive risk approaches while opening potential new revenue streams.
This initiative follows WFI's collaboration with Farmsafe Australia to release the annual 'Safer Farms 2024 Report,' which aims to promote safer practices on farms throughout Australia. WFI's data indicated a decline in certain types of accidents in the farming sector over the past year, including a 75% reduction in falls from heights and a 30% drop in injuries from impacts.
However, the rise in property damage from severe weather events remains a significant concern, with claims for damage caused by natural events up by 32% over the past year. This underscores the importance of safety measures on farms, particularly regarding the use of heavy machinery, which is often linked to fatigue and skipping essential safety procedures.
In conclusion, the partnership between WFI Insurance and AgCarE represents a proactive approach to supporting sustainable farming practices in Australia. By offering financial incentives and recognising the efforts of farmers in environmental conservation, this collaboration aims to foster a more resilient and eco-friendly agricultural sector.
