Sustainable agriculture investment adviser Cibus Capital has launched a new fund focused on Australian forest carbon credit markets, marking its latest push into natural capital strategies as global demand for emissions offsets accelerates.
According to a statement on Tuesday, Cibus is targeting to raise A$200 million to A$300 million from institutional investors for its newly formed vehicle, Cibus Carbon.
The funds will be used to invest in large-scale planted forestry projects across Australia, aiming to generate approximately 11.25 million Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) over the next 30 years.
With mounting regulatory pressure and voluntary commitments pushing up demand for high-quality offsets, Cibus expects Australia’s carbon credit system to evolve into the world’s largest by the end of the decade.
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Current net demand for ACCUs is projected to nearly triple from 15 million in 2025 to 44 million by 2030, according to market estimates.
The new fund will be managed by Cibus Carbon Investments Pty Ltd, an Australian subsidiary, led by Damon Petrie and Jeremy Alun-Jones.
Oversight will also come from Simon Campbell and Grant Tranter, who will serve as consultant CEO and chief scientist, respectively, for the related-party asset manager.
Cibus will plant a diverse mix of tree species on strategically selected land, using proprietary models to identify sites offering optimal carbon yield at low acquisition cost.
The approach is designed to deliver returns while advancing environmental goals.
“Cibus Carbon shows that protecting ecosystems and creating value can go hand in hand,” said Rob Appleby, founder and CIO of Cibus Capital.
Cibus brings operational experience through its ownership of Withcott Seedlings, one of Australia’s largest native tree nurseries.
That expertise, paired with carbon-focused investment strategy, positions the firm to capitalise on a maturing carbon offset market.
