2023 Incorporating carbon accounting into agribusiness management software to reduce market entry for carbon farming – The School of Molecular and Life Sciences

Status: Closed

Applications open: 1/04/2023
Applications close: 30/04/2023

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About this scholarship
Description/Applicant information

The School of Molecular and Life Sciences, at Curtin University, is offering two competitive scholarships for students to study for their PhD in an agriculture-focused subject area within the Discipline of Agriculture & Food. The scholarships aim to support applied, industry-focused, agricultural research and development at Curtin University and to strengthen capacity in key strategic areas of the university and its partners.

Project Description

Agriculture is estimated to produce between 14 and 30 percent of global carbon emissions and with continued global population growth, is recognised as a crucial target industry for carbon reduction. The Australian government, like many others, has implemented a carbon emission reduction plan that allows farmers to earn saleable carbon emission credits by cutting greenhouse gases. Recent research has indicated, however, that the prices of emission credits must be substantially higher to outweigh most farmers’ costs for carbon farming. Among these costs are the farmers’ transaction costs – the expenses involved in buying and selling – a factor of which is the carbon accounting necessary for farmers to accurately measure their carbon emissions.

Agribusiness management software is used ubiquitously by farmers to manage their farm planning, budgeting, and accounting. Most are purchased as a subscription from a software provider that not only include accounting, but also inventory management. In Australia, different state governments provide online tools and resources for farmers to calculate their carbon emissions and carbon sequestration as what works in one state may not work in another.

This research project aims to examine the costs involved in incorporating carbon accounting into agribusiness management software and determine if the cost savings for farmers would sufficiently reduce transaction costs and encourage the adoption of carbon farming. Data would be drawn from publicly available market data on Australian carbon credits and carbon farming costs. This work would be done in collaboration with representatives from agribusiness management software firms and built on the research of agricultural and environmental economists and agriculture and soil scientists. With the development of a benefit-cost model, the overall impact to carbon farming in Australia could be projected. 

Student type

• Future Students

Faculty

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses

Course type

• Higher Degree by Research

Citizenship

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa
• International Student

Scholarship base

• Merit Based

Value

The successful candidate will receive a stipend of $32,250.00 per annum pro rata (tax free), this amount will be indexed annually. The total value of the annual scholarships (stipend and fees) is approx. $60,000 - $70,000 p.a. Applicants will be supported in applying for supplemental funding.

The duration of the award shall be for three years with a possible extension of up to six months (maximum), assessed on a case-by case basis.

Scholarship Details
Maximum number awarded

1

Eligibility criteria

We are seeking a candidate with undergraduate qualifications in agricultural economics, agribusiness, natural resources management, or an equivalent discipline. 

The candidate must have C class Australian license (or equivalent) and be comfortable driving and working in remote locations. Experience in benefit-cost analysis and both data science and modelling are highly desirable.

Application process

Please contact us via the EOI form .

The EOI form supports the submission of the CV, academic transcripts, research experience, publication outputs and referees.

Applicants are also strongly encouraged to contact the listed project lead with their current curriculum vitae, a summary of their research skills and experience and the reason they are interested in this specific project.

Enrolment Requirements

Recipients must complete their milestone 1 within 6 month of enrolment and remain enrolled on a full-time basis for the duration of the scholarship.

Enquiries

Dr Jacob Hawkins

Lecturer

[email protected]

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