The ACT’s farming community came together last week to explore their options in the face of climate change.
Hosted by the Minister for the Environment, Rebecca Vassarotti, the Resilient Farming in a Changing Climate forum attracted local farmers, scientists, and others sharing their experiences and considering approaches for the management of farming systems under a changing and variable climate.
“Our rural landholders have demonstrated their resilience and innovation in the face of increasingly challenging conditions,” Ms Vassarotti said.
“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.”
She said the farmers’ forum began by forecasting the expected impact from a changing climate with farmers sharing their learnings about practices to adapt and looking at ways rural communities could work together to support their overall wellbeing.
Ms Vassarotti said the matters covered by the farmers included diversifying produce, planning for shade and shelter on the land and improving soil carbon.
“Our farming community, like the rest of our community, depends on a safe and liveable climate,” the Minister said.
“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.”
She said the forum presentations from farmers and other experts would be posted on the ACT Natural Resource Management website in the days to come with access to the assistance the Government offers available from the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate website.
The forum is funded by the Australian Government through the National Landcare Program.
