Almost 60% of Australian land is under the management of farming businesses. It is hard to imagine that any meaningful landscape protection or improvement is possible without their participation. As a national movement, Landcare has a large network of volunteers and paid staff some of whom are farmers, graziers and land managers themselves, and they are crucial to the success of programs and on-ground implementation to manage natural capital.
The issue
Landcare is a unique movement that started in the 1980s, with the aim of addressing degrading farmland and environmental issues on public land and waterways. As a grass roots movement, it has relied on its extensive volunteer base to drive activities and achieve outcomes Australia wide, assisting in the management of natural resources.
Beyond tree planting projects, Landcare has a role in many aspects of caring for the land. These include restoring native habitats, improving soil health and water quality, and controlling weeds and pests. Landcare also helps develop natural resource management knowledge and skills. Very importantly, it supports the adoption of sustainable farm practices that deliver both productivity and environmental outcomes.
The solution
Participation of farmers and graziers is critical to the success of Landcare, as the vast majority of Australia’s landscapes are managed by them. Their stewardship covers approximately 58% of Australia’s land, making their involvement essential to achieving large-scale environmental goals. Farmers also strengthen the Landcare movement in many other ways including:
- Data collection, for example monitoring biodiversity, water quality and soil tests
- Trials on farm to collaborate with researchers and provide feedback
- Leadership building social capital needed to build trust and cooperation
- Farmers stories educate the broader public and help to bridge the divide between urban and rural people
The impact
Landcare acts as a bridge between agricultural and environmental sectors, driving on-ground change. Where in the past, farmers may have viewed production and environmental stewardship as competing goals, the two are inextricably linked and must be considered together to remain profitable and sustainable for future generations in a changing climate.
Farmers and Landcare Part 1: Why Landcare Needs Farmers — NSW Landcare Gateway
Capacity building – LEP23_036_LLC5_6
Author: Julie Roberts
