frequently asked questions
what is the Australian Forest Abatement Registry (AFAR)?
The Australian Forest Abatement Registry (AFAR) is an online registry of current and planned forestry projects. The AFAR is designed to allow greater interaction between owners of reforestation projects and purchasers of permits.
The AFAR is not a carbon pooling project - we take no ownership of your project, carbon rights or land.
The AFAR allows for any and all landholders to own their own projects and generate carbon permits for sale or their own use.
how does the AFAR work?
The AFAR works by allowing landholders to list or register their projects so investors or purchasers can make offers to landholders for their carbon. The AFAR works by giving landholders choice and control.
The AFAR allows project owners to set their minimum price for carbon and the amount of carbon they sell. It also allows purchasers to search the database for projects that meet their specific requirements. Large scale purchasers will also be able to broadcast offers to all members. It is up to each project owner to decide whether they accept the offer or not.
but the rules of the CPRS are not yet finalised!
That's true. However the fundamentals are well known and as details become available Australian Carbon Traders will provide assistance to achieve registration.
does it matter what type of tree I have planted or want to plant?
No. As long as the project has eligible trees on eligible land, you qualify. It does not matter if they are native or exotic or if you plan to harvest them or not.
what happens when I send in my application?
Australian Carbon Traders will apply a Primary Assessment Tool and a model of the amount of carbon your forest will store. Australian Carbon Traders will then prepare a report and explain the results. Based on this report landholders will be in a much better position to decide if you want to continue.
what happens if I want to continue?
Your project will then be entered into the AFAR. You can then review your listing online and email us with any changes.
what happens if I do not want to go any further?
Nothing - You can choose to remain on our mailing list so that we can contact you from time to time if policy or the market changes.
what happens if I choose to go on to create carbon credits?
Australian Carbon Traders will contact you and provide you with all the information you need to create carbon credits. You can choose to complete the process online or on paper. Australian Carbon Traders staff will also be available on line and on the phone to help you.
what if I cannot find people to undertake the mapping or field work?
We can talk you through the process or we can arrange for someone to undertake the work. Australian Carbon Traders can also undertake field visits.
are legal documents required?
The amount of legal documentation required will depend on the type of project you set up.
Australian Carbon Traders will provide example documentation to register projects in your name; however it is impossible to know all the details of every farm arrangement. Therefore we provide instructions and notes for you to work through with your current legal representatives. If you cannot find representatives we can provide you with details of firms that work in this area.
do I have to do anything else?
In order to gain permits you will be required to report on your project at least once every five years and no more than once every year. Every time you do a report you will be eligible to create permits (if there is an increase in carbon). Australian Carbon Traders can provide services for this reporting.
how does the arrangement with Australian Carbon Traders work?
ACT works on fees for service. We do not take any ownership of your carbon or other forestry projects. If you find a buyer outside of the AFAR then can facilitate the transaction for you.
what happens if I do not sell any carbon and keep it for myself?
Then there are no trading charges. Once you have created your carbon credits then you will only be charged a minimal membership fee to keep your project listed on the AFAR if you want to attract investors.
more questions?
