FARMERS on the Tweed need more education on carbon farming because the region can benefit more than other parts of NSW, according to experts.

The Tweed Shire Council is hosting a seminar to get information to the farmers about the federal government's Carbon Farming Initiative.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) officer Greg Reid, who specialises in farm planning and sustainable agriculture, will speak at the seminar about carbon offsetting.

"The North Coast has a higher potential for carbon credits than most other parts of NSW, however, there are many different types of credits with different prices, costs and returns," Mr Reid said.

"Decisions about where and how to sequester or mitigate will have a big influence over the net result.

"It is important that landowners become informed about this new market so their choices are rewarding instead of disappointing."

Farmers and land managers can generate credits that can be sold to other businesses wanting to offset their own carbon pollution.

Council's Sustainable Agriculture officer Sebastien Garcia-Cuenca said: "The CFI helps the environment by encouraging sustainable farming and providing a source of funding for landscape restoration projects."

"Tweed farmers and landholders are well placed to take part in this scheme to earn carbon credits by storing carbon or reducing greenhouse gas emissions on their land.

"Participation in the CFI is voluntary. While farmers and landholders can choose whether or not to be involved, it is good to understand the scheme and its role in maintaining the natural environment upon which we all depend," Mr Garcia-Cuenca said.

The seminar is at the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre's Canvas & Kettle Room from 9.30-11am on May 1.

The seminar will cover topics such as carbon testing and soil carbon processes, how to identify sites most likely to build carbon, different approaches to forest and soil carbon, why there are two markets in two stages and identifying options in a carbon focused future.

Anyone interested should register with natural resource management community support officer Claire Masters on (02) 6670 2199