Canadian institutional investor La Caisse (formerly CDPQ) and Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) have announced the creation of Meldora, a new carbon credit–generating platform designed to transform sustainable agriculture and restore native ecosystems across Australia.

Backed by an initial investment of AUD$250 million (USD$165 million), including AUD$200 million from La Caisse and AUD$50 million from CEFC, the platform will support large-scale agricultural production integrated with long-term reforestation projects designed to generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). Global mining giant Rio Tinto has signed on as a foundation offtaker under a long-term agreement, providing additional financial security for the venture.

Meldora’s model leverages Environmental Plantings, a high-integrity method that involves planting and maintaining native vegetation for at least 25 years, and in some cases up to a century. These efforts are expected to deliver long-term carbon sequestration, strengthen biodiversity, and ensure Australian agriculture remains competitive in the global net-zero economy.

As part of its launch, Meldora has already acquired its first asset: a 15,000-hectare broadacre and irrigation farm in Central Queensland, which will serve as a cornerstone for the platform’s operations.

Heechung Sung, CEFC Head of Natural Capital, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative:

“By utilising a high-integrity method, Environmental Plantings, that also supports biodiversity, these carbon credits have the potential to command a premium in the market. This reinforces the role of nature-based solutions in climate action and underscores the increasing value of sustainable land management and investment in the restoration of trees and vegetation, as we transition to a low-carbon economy.”

Source:

https://www.esgtoday.com/la-caisse-cefc-launch-165-million-sustainable-agriculture-carbon-credit-platform/

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cefc-la-caisse-launch-250m-australian-ag-and-carbon-platform-rio-tinto-signs-up-as-offtaker-302549064.html