Graziers are being given the opportunity to have a say on how the Federal Government's carbon policy and Carbon Farming Initiative will impact on them, thanks to a CQUniversity research project.

CQUniversity economist Rebecca Gowen is conducting the project, which will survey landholders as part of a report to be released before the end of the year.

CQUniversity economist Rebecca Gowen

Ms Gowen said the project aimed to directly involve landholders' views in the carbon conversation, by looking at the tradeoffs for graziers in different areas, based on policy assumptions, and by providing a forum for direct feedback. 

"Graziers who participate in the study will have the opportunity to see what some of the options for carbon contracts might look like and the report will also include some information on costs and benefits at the regional scale," Ms Gowen said.

"Graziers will have the unique opportunity to share what is important to them in the design of a carbon trading program and to see how different policy settings affect the potential for carbon income."

"The Carbon Farming Initiative has the potential to offer an alternative income stream to some graziers but each individual needs to 'run the numbers'.

"It really depends on how profitable your current enterprise is and what your long-term plans are for the property."

Interested landholders should contact Ms Gowen at r.gowen@cqu.edu.au with 'Carbon Survey 2011' in the subject line. All responses will be kept confidential.