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Bass Coast Has Its Eye On The FutureA recent Kilcunda forum explored urban fringe farmers’ concerns about the pressures land-use changes and climate change are placing on their businesses. By Department of Primary Industries - 14th July 2009 - Back to News The forum, delivered by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) through its AgFutures project, supported better understanding of the changes affecting agriculture in the Bass Coast Shire.
Under the Future Farming Strategy, the Victorian Government has invested $3.7 million over four years to the Agfutures project to help farmers and farm communities better understand new challenges arising from unprecedented change over the next decade.
The DPI delivered the Kilcunda event in partnership with the Bass Coast Shire and Landcare Network.
DPI AgFutures Project Officer Karen Thomas said the forum has increased community awareness about the challenges Bass Coast farmers are facing now and into the future.
"The region’s dairy and beef farmers and local service providers want to further explore the possible impacts of land-use pressures, with residential lifestyle sometimes conflicting with farming operations," Ms Thomas said.
"The aging farmer population may also significantly change the shape of agriculture in the region.
"Although facing some significant challenges, the region’s farmers will now be empowered to make decisions to shape the future of the region and their businesses. Being informed is the first step."
Guest speakers included:
· DPI Social Researcher Neil Barr who discussed the future impacts of changes in land-use and an ageing farmer population will have on the region;
· RMCG Senior Consultant Shelly McGuiness spoke about the Future Farming Rural Land Use Discussion Paper;
· Moragh Mackay from the Bass Coast Landcare Network detailed the work being done by local organisations to help farmer adapt to climate change;
· DPI Senior Farm Business Economist Tony Berrisford provided a snapshot of current farm economic performance data and likely future trends; and
· Sonia Lee, a consultant from Vital Soil, presented research project results on using different techniques to improve soil health with Phillip Island farmers.
After the presentations, a bus tour and farm walk was conducted to look at some of the trials.
A follow-up forum is being considered for September. For more information on the DPI AgFutures program please contact Karen Thomas on 0488 372 411.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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