Farmers, producers, graziers, Landcare leaders, First Nations people and academics from around the globe gathered on the Gold Coast recently to discuss the best way forward to protect and restore Australia’s natural assets and landscapes.
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), and Landcare Australia joined forces to launch Agriculture and Landcare Week, coinciding with the 2025 National Landcare Conference and the NFF’s AgXchange Australia.
Former Armidale farmer and well-known agriculture industry representative Fiona Simson said thousands attended the events for a well worthwhile meeting of minds.
“There is an important connection between Landcare and agriculture, with farmers, producers, graziers and land carers standing shoulder to shoulder to continue caring for our land, water and biodiversity,” Ms Simson said.
Fiona Simson is from the Liverpool Plains area of New South Wales and grew up on a farm near Armidale.
She has been involved in various roles within the agricultural sector, including serving as the first female president of the NFF, stepping down in 2023, and is currently Oceania representative and Vice President of the World Farmers’ Organisation.
As well as being a member of the Federal Government Trade 2040 Advisory Committee, Climate Change Authority and Nature Repair Advisory Committee, she is Commissioner and Chair of the Australian Commission for Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Chairs the Future Food Systems CRC, and is a Director on the Boards of One Basin CRC, NRMA (NSW), and Foodbank Australia.
The NFF Interim Chief Executive Su McCluskey said with farmers managing over 55 per cent of Australia’s landmass and providing food and fibre to the nation and the world, the recent forums on the Gold Coast were an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the essential role all stakeholders play in nature repair, emissions reduction and community resilience.
“Equally, the Landcare movement, with its roots in community action and strong presence across rural and regional Australia, is a key partner in advancing on-ground solutions for our shared environmental challenges,” Ms McCluskey said.
Speakers at the AgXchange and National Landcare series of conferences were from every corner of the agriculture sector – growers, scientists, business leaders and policy makers.
The more than 50 speakers explored the big issues farmers are facing now and what’s ahead across innovation, sustainability, trade, workforce, mental health and connectivity.
Those who shared the stage included United Kingdom farmer-entrepreneur, Olly ‘Blogs’ Harrison.
Mr Harrison is considered a social media powerhouse who helped bring 50,000 farmers together to rally against the UK Government’s proposed inheritance tax.
Others included the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Hon Julie Collins.
Minister Collins said it was important to ensure Australian farmers and producers worked with the relevant networks that process, promote and deliver the nation’s food products.
“We know one of the most critical challenges facing farming in this country is sustainability and governments around the world are tackling the goal of reducing agricultural emissions and managing climate risk while maintaining production of food and fibre to feed growing populations.
“Supporting resilient and sustainable farming systems is central to helping our farmers manage these risks and capitalise on opportunities,” she said.
“Since 2019, the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) has been developed under the leadership of the NFF with support from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
“Through extensive consultation and research, the AASF has provided a nationally consistent reference point for sustainability principles and criteria helping Australian agriculture speak with one voice in domestic and international discussions.”
Representatives from the AASF spoke with those at the agriculture and Landcare events about the proposed Agricultural Sustainability Australia (ASA) Alliance – a collaborative initiative to coordinate efforts and ensure Australia’s sustainability narrative remains trusted and competitive in global markets.
Former rugby league legend and current coach Billy Slater brought to the stage lessons on leadership and resilience beyond sport.
Mr Slater also shared his passion for horses and Australian-grown bananas!
Local representative Martin Murray spoke in a conference debate “Does the lack of subsidies make Australian farmers more efficient, or simply more exposed?”
Mr Murray teamed up with farmers Georgia Campbell, Gillian Fennell and NFF President David Jochinke (DJ).
“I spoke with Georgia, arguing for subsidies against our free market – in opposition to DJ and Gillian,” Mr Martin said.
“While the debate was set up as a novelty and a bit of fun, it did lead to some thought-provoking discussion, before taking questions from the audience.”
Mr Murray is dubbed the silver-haired assassin of the debate stage. He began his career in agronomy after University of New England and was first based on the Liverpool Plains.
He and his wife later relocated to Inverell farming an 840acre property while also working as territory manager for GrowthAg, before going into agricultural contracting and later joining Nufarm.
Mr Murray’s strong passion for the agriculture industry extends to his involvement in the NFF Young Farmers Council as a representative of NSW and his recent attendance at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin.
Back on the farm he is passionate about integrating technology to drive productivity and profitability.
“For a while now, I have been calling for a first farm buyer scheme, among other initiatives, to support young farmers feeling the crunch like never before.
“The average age of a new farmer is now 45 years old and that’s because young farmers simply cannot afford to get in the game.
“Farm prices are very high and there’s a real risk that the next generation will not be able to purchase the land they need to feed or clothe our future.”
Southern New England Landcare representative Karen Zirkler said it was important for a wide range of stakeholders to discuss important issues together.
Ms Zirkler has had a professional career in agricultural extension and Landcare for more than 30 years across all Australian states.
She grew up in the Gunnedah, NSW area and is now part of a family farming operation near Uralla, producing non-muelsed superfine and ultrafine merino.
“Clearly, the Landcare ethic is strong in farming communities right across Australia, and has been for more than three decades,” she said.
“I was so pleased to see an outstanding cohort of young folk share their ideas and experience panel sessions on centre-stage at this year’s National Landcare Conference.
“But one of the important issues not yet being addressed in this space, is the impact on rural communities and their farming environments, of the renewable energy transition.
“I believe further co-operation by organisers of agricultural and environmental events joining forces could see an increase in challenging but important conversations for better social, environmental and economic outcomes for rural communities.
“What we have already achieved by working together is a great reminder of the power of collaboration.”
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