Cibus Capital LLP, the London-based investment advisory firm focused on sustainable food and agriculture, has launched Cibus Carbon, a new investment vehicle targeting Australian planted carbon projects within the natural capital sector.
The fund aims to deliver around 11.25 million Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) over a 30-year horizon, assuming a successful AUD 300 million fundraise. This move positions Cibus to capitalize on what it believes will become the world’s largest carbon credit market by the end of the decade, driven by tightening compliance regulations and rising voluntary demand.
Why Australia – and why now?
Australia’s carbon credit market is undergoing rapid transformation. Net buying demand for ACCUs is projected to nearly triple from 15 million in 2025 to 44 million by 2030, as baselines decline and regulatory pressure intensifies. Cibus sees this as a prime opportunity to invest in institutional-grade nature-based solutions that align with both environmental and community goals, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“Nature-based mitigation will play a major role in the pathway to addressing climate change,” said Damon Petrie, consultant director at Cibus. “The Australian market’s pace of growth and maturity presents a prime opportunity to invest in solutions that deliver robust returns.”
Operational edge in a competitive market
Cibus Carbon will be managed by Cibus Carbon Investments Pty Ltd, led by Damon Petrie and Jeremy Alun-Jones, with asset management support from Simon Campbell (Consultant CEO) and Grant Tranter (Consultant Chief Scientist). The fund will plant a mix of tree species on carefully selected sites, chosen using a proprietary land selection system that identifies areas where land costs are low relative to carbon credit potential.
This approach offers a competitive edge in a market that is notoriously difficult for new entrants to access.
“Cibus Carbon shows that protecting ecosystems and creating value can go hand in hand,” said Rob Appleby, founder and CIO of Cibus Capital. “Our strategy helps companies reach Net Zero while generating wider benefits for communities and investors alike.”
Deep roots in land and nursery management
Cibus brings extensive experience in sustainable land management and large-scale tree planting through its existing portfolio, including Withcott Seedlings, one of Australia’s largest native tree seedling producers and a Cibus Fund II portfolio company. This expertise in seed sourcing, quality, and performance gives Cibus a unique advantage in generating high-quality ACCUs.
By combining proven operational capabilities with innovative technologies, Cibus Carbon aims to set a new benchmark for nature-based carbon credit generation.
