|A word from the SAF (May 2024)
As your Riverina Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, I recently had the opportunity to attend the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF) Conference in Canberra. This year’s event was packed with valuable information on innovative practices, national policy initiatives, and the crucial role of Indigenous knowledge in building a more sustainable agricultural future.
The conference included a visit to Amberly Farm, a shining example of progressive agricultural practices. Their multi-species grazing system, combining cattle and chickens, demonstrates the power of innovation in land management. This approach not only improves soil health through natural weed control and fertilization, but also reduces reliance on chemical solutions. Amberly Farm’s commitment to environmental restoration through revegetation projects further highlights the interconnectedness of sustainable agriculture and a healthy environment.
The conference provided a great overview of national policy initiatives that align with our efforts in the Riverina. The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) offers a valuable tool for farmers to communicate their sustainability efforts. The Agriculture and Land Sectoral Plan outlines a clear path towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, a crucial step in addressing climate change. Additionally, the Future Drought Fund provides financial support to farmers, building resilience against the inevitable challenges of drought.
A particularly inspiring presentation focused on the Indigenous Agricultural Products Framework. This initiative recognises the longstanding expertise and knowledge of First Nations people in agriculture. By establishing criteria for identifying Indigenous agricultural products, the framework aims to empower Indigenous producers and ensure fair compensation within the supply chain. This not only promotes economic opportunities but also fosters respect for the rich cultural heritage embedded in Indigenous agricultural practices.
The conference emphasised collaboration as a critical pillar of sustainable agriculture. The National Soil Action Plan, for example, emphasises collaboration between stakeholders to promote sustainable soil management practices. Similarly, the success of the Indigenous Agricultural Products Framework hinges on collaboration between Indigenous communities and government agencies.
These insights from the SAF Conference will undoubtedly guide my work in supporting sustainable agriculture across the Riverina. I’m committed to providing resources, promoting innovative practices, and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders in our agricultural community.
Stay tuned for upcoming workshops and events focused on sustainable agriculture practices!
Visit the following resources for more information:
- Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework: https://www.farminstitute.org.au/the-australian-agricultural-sustainability-framework/
- National Soil Action Plan: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/natural-resources/soils/national-soil-action-plan
- Future Drought Fund: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/drought/future-drought-fund
This article was written by Jade Auldist. Jade is the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator for the Riverina region. Her role supports farmers, industry and community groups (including Landcare Groups) to adopt new and innovative sustainable agriculture practices.
For further information on this article, please contact Jade at jade.auldist@lls.nsw.gov.au.
