Start-up digs up grant for soil research to save farmers cash

Vinnies manager, and helper of all people in need, Mary Mulhall (above) was thrilled with the BlazeAid volunteers support.

“These wonderful people work as volunteers giving their time to support local communities,” she said.

“We are proud to have them in Molong - they have settled into our community so well”.

“The Steggles donation will help local and district families and individuals who are finding the current times very tough.”

A soil carbon start-up in the Central West has received a $9.3 million grant from the Federal Government to continue its revolutionary research and development in regional Australia.

The funding, through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, has been awarded to Orange-based start-up Loam Bio.

Loam Bio has developed a ground-breaking seed treatment which enables crop farmers to increase the productivity and resilience of their farming systems, while helping to stop climate change.

Independent Member for Calare, Andrew Gee said the multi-million-dollar grant backs science, technology, and innovation in the bush.

“In a humble-looking shed on the outskirts of Orange, you’ll fnd a team of top scientists looking at how soil can help farmers earn some extra dough, and give the planet a bit of a hand, too,” he said.

“The shed is the headquarters of Aussie startup Loam Bio, which has set up the second biggest soil analysis lab in Australia right here in the Central West.

“Recently I had the chance to meet the team at Loam Bio and visit the lab where they’re developing products that help farmers boost their yield per acre by improving soil health, increasing water retention in the soil, and encouraging the nutritional uptake of their crops.

Me Gee said the seed treatment enabled the soil to absorb more carbon, enabling farmers to participate in carbon markets.

“This means that through drought or through food, farmers will be able to earn income from their land through carbon farming,” he said.

“The capture and storage of carbon in soil also gives our planet a bit of a hand by reducing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere.

“It's great that the Australian Government is supporting Loam Bio to support our farmers with a $9.3 million grant through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.

“This is a game-changing opportunity for our local farmers and our country.”

BlazeAid Volunteer, Lawrence, brought additional support when he came to volunteer in Molong - his two mates Banjo and Frankie. “I was sitting in the caravan park in Cowra doing nothing and heard about BlazeAid and their call for volunteers to help in Molong,” he said. Happy to be part of the team, Lawrence is one of the team volunteering his time and skills on local properties.

Among other volunteers, Lawrence event joined in to be part of this year’s Banjo Paterson Poetry Brawl at Freemason’s pub last weekend. Lawrence and Banjo performed on stage to the delight of the large crowd. INSET PHOTO: Banjo joined in with his master’s performance on the harmonica, albeit a little pitchy, before waiting as Lawrence recited his poem.