Fresh Earth Agriculture - Cooksvale Soil Carbon Project

Fresh Earth Agriculture - Cooksvale Soil Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration project located in the locality of Peelwood, approximately 55 kilometers north of Crookwell in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. Registered in September 2025, the project covers a project area of roughly 54 hectares. The project operates on the property known as "Cooksvale East" (or similar holdings along Cooksvale Road), which is situated within the Upper Lachlan Shire Council area.

The project operates under the Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration using Measurement and Models (2021) methodology. This method credits landholders for increasing soil organic carbon stocks through changes in land management. To generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), the project proponent must first establish a baseline of soil carbon through sampling, then implement new management activities, such as applying nutrients or lime to address deficiencies, and altering grazing intensity, to sequester additional carbon over time. Credits are issued based on measured increases modeled against the baseline.

The Peelwood and Crookwell region is characterized by a cool temperate climate with a reliable average annual rainfall of approximately 760mm. The landscape typically features undulating terrain with granite-derived soils, often described as brown-yellow-red sandy loams, which support native and improved pastures. The region is predominantly used for fine wool and cattle grazing. Notably, this soil carbon project appears to be co-located with or adjacent to the "Cooksvale Reforestation Project" (ERF203994), also managed under the Fresh Earth Agriculture banner, suggesting a holistic approach to carbon farming on the property that integrates both soil health and vegetation improvements.