Activating Financial Markets to Reward Soil Stewardship

Project 1.2.003 identified how many finance stakeholders and growers accept the importance of good soil stewardship and how it is generally profitable. There was, however, recognition of the need to further demonstrate this relationship to unlock investments in soils and activate financial markets to reward soil stewardship. The need to improve connections between researchers, growers and financial markets, and better translate soil science to finance sector relevant terms was also highlighted.

This project will leverage on the pathways to change that were co-developed in Project 1.2.003 to configure, trial and evaluate novel financial mechanisms to reward soil stewardship. A three-stage approach involving grower groups (BCG, Riverine Plains and WANTFA) and the finance sector (Deloitte and NAB) will secure outcomes that best reflect industry expectations. A range of potential pilot mechanisms and pathways have been identified including loan schemes, risk assessment and other financial decision tools, government programs/policies, and insurance products. The lead organization is Charles Sturt University