"It may be that the CFI becomes the only surviving outcome of the Gillard government’s efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions," according to Business Spectator. "If the government’s carbon tax legislation gets through parliament, the Opposition has committed to repeal or substantially modify it if it wins the next election, as appears very likely. On the other hand the Carbon Farming Initiative, which is already through, will probably survive... Rather than repeal the legislation, [the Opposition] has indicated it will try to improve it. The concept also has support in farming circles, including the National Farmers’ Federation."

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NFF president Jock Laurie has been a supporter of Carbon Farming since we first briefed him in 2006 when he was with NSW Farmers Association. He said the NFF had been broadly supportive of the concept and intent of the CFI from the outset. “We have long said that voluntary, market-based mechanisms, using a carrot rather than a stick approach to carbon abatement, is the best way to engage with farmers in this challenge. The CFI fits this description,” he said.