In this passionate TEDx talk Dr Anika Molesworth implores us to rethink the food system
Farmers for Climate Action are showing us how with their recently released Farming Forever Report. Their research shows ensuring our farmers have the education and information they need is pivotal for them to sustainably provide us with a reliable supply of nutritious food for our families
Some background for us to think about
Farming in Australia is risky business. Farming has 3 x the risk profile of the food sector it services in Australia and our agriculture output is the most volatile of any major exporting nation
Source Not surprising when we live and farm on the hottest, driest continent inhabited continent
In their report Farmers for Climate Action:
- has called for more on-ground staff and programs delivering farmers education on climate and carbon.
- puts forward a plan for a national climate and agriculture policy, based on a major survey of more than 600 farmers and round table discussions with leading farm stakeholders.
- surveys found the vast majority of farmers want to reduce emissions and many want to sell carbon credits, but don’t know how to do so.
More interesting facts and stats from the report:
- Carbon farming can produce huge benefits but just 10% of farmers are participating and 70% say they don’t understand it
- 93% of farmers willing to shift to low emissions production but just 30% have been in a relevant practical demonstration or “extension” program with other farmers
- 38% of farmers said they do not sell carbon because they do not know how
- Landcare and Natural Resource Management (NRM )bodies are the sources farmers trust the most
- Farmers want access to trusted experts via NRM Regions or Landcare
- Farmers understand the need to be sustainable to maintain access to vital overseas markets
To me it would seem from the stats below about the access to the Future Drought Fund that the government needs to be constantly reminded 9 out of 10 farmers learn from other farmers
Want to see how innovative our young farmers are? Read this story about Tegan Nock, who co-founded farming start-up Loam Bio in 2019, developing a microbial fungus that when applied to soil might not only improve its health but greatly enhance its ability to store carbon
