More than 200 local food producers and agricultural industry members attended the free Sustainable Agriculture Forums across the Northern Rivers earlier this week.
Some of the Northern Rivers’ most groundbreaking sustainable agriculture projects were showcased at the forums in Murwillumbah and Ballina (May 3), and Casino and Maclean (May 4).
With the aim of sharing
knowledge and making food production profitable in a changing climate, the forums showcased projects such as sustainable greenhouse production, biological farming methods, sustainable grazing and soil health for commercial food production.
Keynote speakers Greg Reid (NSW Department of Primary Industries) and Mallanganee’s Stuart Larsson (Mara Seeds) were the star attractions at the Murwillumbah forum.
Mr Reid showcased the ‘Sustainable Farm Planning Project’ and his work with 20 local farmers/landowners on individual sustainable management plans. Each plan encompasses sustainable soil management, vegetation management, carbon management, climate change adaption and financial resilience components.
Mr Larsson talked about his ‘Softer Farming Methods for Sustainable Agriculture’ project. He is undertaking a soil heath trial program on a 10 acre paddock consisting of five different methods of inputs, new and old, (eg, raw chicken manure, compost and standard fertiliser), to advance sustainable farming methods.
The Sustainable Agriculture Projects are part of the Northern Rivers Food Links project, a Northern Rivers Council cooperative addressing local food production, distribution and consumption in the region.
Northern Rivers Food Links’ Project Manager Sam Muller said she was extremely pleased with the outstanding local response to the forums.
“There were local farmers, local and state government, agricultural, educational and tourism represent-atives, local retailers, and community garden coordinators all in attendance, just to name a few.
“It is certainly heartening to know that we have such a great cross-section of producers who are obviously passionate, dedicated and committed to securing a sustainable food future for our region,” said Ms Muller.
Ms Muller said the forums were all about encouraging greater levels of understanding and knowledge sharing on approaches to sustainable agriculture practices in the region.
“Our Sustainable Agriculture Project partners provide an amazing resource of experience and knowledge, particularly in regards to sustainable agriculture practices on-farm, impacts of climate change on food production, whilst still maintaining a focus on economic outcomes needed to keep farmers on the land,” said Ms Muller.
“The forums were an opportunity to showcase this knowledge and the projects being delivered, whilst also providing an opportunity for the broader industry stakeholder group to participate in discussions on adaption to the changing seasons, implementing softer farming methods and our approach to food security in the region.”
The forums were open to the public, in particular, representatives from the Northern Rivers agricultural industry, local food producers and community members interested in sustainable agriculture and food security.
