Minister Ludwig made the announcement during a visit to Queensland University of Technology to meet with researchers undertaking work funded by the first round of the programme.

“Up to $50 million in competitive grants are available under the latest round of the programme,” Minister Ludwig said.

“More research is needed to unlock new opportunities for farmers and other land managers to participate in the Carbon Farming Initiative.

“With the right know how, those on the land can earn a second income through carbon credits, generated by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and storing carbon in the landscape.

“Filling the Research Gap will provide eligible Australian research organisations with funding to address specific knowledge gaps. This will support the development of offset methodologies under the Carbon Farming Initiative, and provide more ways for farmers and land holders to get involved.”

The second round of Filling the Research Gap will fund research that improves the ability of Australian agriculture to adapt to a changing climate, counteract its negative effects, and grasp new opportunities through the development of adaptation choices and technologies.

“We have already seen outstanding contributions to climate research in Australia through the Climate Change Research Programme, and projects under the first round of Filling the Research Gap are beginning to build on these efforts,” Minister Ludwig said.

“For example, early research findings in relation to nitrous oxide emissions, livestock methane emissions and biochar give more validity to claims that significant reductions in agricultural emissions can be achieved without adverse impacts on productivity.”

Filling the Research Gap is an ongoing program that is investing in priority research over six years from 2011-12 to 2016-17. The program is a key part of the Carbon Farming Futures Program, under the A$1.7 billion Land Sector Package component of the government’s 'Securing a Clean Energy Future' plan.

Applications for the second round of funding close on Wednesday 23 January 2013. To find out more about eligibility and how to apply, visit Filling the Research Gap on the DAFF website.