2020-11-13
The Territory and region’s farming community have come together today to discuss how it can adapt farming practices in the face of climate change, as part of the ACT Government’s Resilient Farming in a Changing Climate forum.
Minister for the Environment Rebecca Vassarotti said the forum has brought together local farmers, scientists, and others with expertise to share their experiences and identify the best approaches to managing farming systems under a changing and variable climate.
“Our rural landholders have demonstrated their resilience and innovation in the face of increasingly challenging conditions. The extended dry periods and recent bushfires, which will only become more common as the climate changes, pose a significant threat to local land, livestock and operations,” Minister Vassarotti said.
“The keynote speaker, Professor Mark Howden from ANU, kicked off the forum by setting the scene for our community and forecasting the future impact we will see from a changing climate.
“Throughout the day, our farmers have been sharing their learnings about how they are adapting their practices - including diversifying produce, planning for shade and shelter on the land, improving soil carbon, and looking at how rural communities can work together to support overall wellbeing.
“Our farming community, like the rest of our community, depends on a safe and liveable climate. Bringing these peers together to discuss their experience and proven strategies supports our farmers to further build resilience and conduct farm management based on the best available evidence.”
Today’s presentations from farmers and other experts will be uploaded soon, and it will be available online at the ACT Natural Resource Management website over the next week.
You can learn more about what assistance the ACT Government provides to our farmers at https://www.environment.act.gov.au/act-nrm/grants-and-support-packages
This forum is funded by the Australian Government through the National Landcare Program.
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