Farmers from across the region were able to voice their concerns and share in discussions about the impact of a variety of topics affecting the rural industry at the NSW Farmers Association’s Regional Forum that was held at the Armidale Ex-Services Club last Wednesday.
By far the biggest issue on local farmers’ minds was the complex issues behind the government’s carbon policies.
NSW Farmers Association President Fiona Simson pledged back in July last year that she would project a greater voice for NSW farmers and a bigger role in the regions, empowering local members to know what is happening in their industry and to take action on issues that are important to them.
“We are going around all the regions in NSW and hearing about issues that are important to people in those regions; this is what we are doing here today in Armidale,” Fiona Simson said.
“There is a very big focus here today on educating and extending people’s thinking beyond what they would normally focus on.
“It is pleasing to see that there is a lot of discussion on carbon and carbon in soils and how farmers might perhaps be able to benefit from the newly proposed carbon schemes.”
Local Guyra farmer Robert Gordon, who runs a mixed grazing operation, found the forum to be extremely informative.
“I am particularly interested in the carbon question, specifically in the carbon farming initiative,” said Robert.
“This is a good opportunity to catch up on what our association is doing on our behalf in relation to this government initiative.”
Robert believes that in over half a century of farming and improving the pastures on his property, he has accumulated a good level of soil carbon.
“I will be interested to see if I can improve this and just what the opportunities are,” said Robert.
“They are going to have to be cost effective undertakings or I am not interested.”
Other discussions at the forum included changes in local and overseas economies for future terms of trade in agriculture and surviving in agriculture today.
Story: Jo Harrison
