This weekend, more than 30 members of Farmers for Climate Action met in person to draw up plans for the rapidly growing advocacy group. Among them were farmers from Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania, with most commodities represented.
Farmers for Climate Action is an inclusive movement driven by farmers, for farmers, calling for immediate action on climate change and supporting on-farm adaptation and mitigation to ensure a positive future for generations of Australian farmers.
Farmers for Climate Action CEO Verity Morgan-Schmidt said members wanted to protect food production for all Australians, and make sure farming stayed viable.
"Seasons and conditions that farmers rely on to produce our food and fibre are becoming less predictable, and that spells trouble not only for agriculture but for anyone who needs to put food on the table," Mrs Morgan-Schmidt said.
"Our members aren't going to wait around and watch things worsen. They are determined to make changes on their properties that make their own operations more sustainable, and profitable in the long-term. They also want to see the broader industry, and all levels of government, doing the same because all of us have a responsibility."
Christie Kingston helps her husband run their merino wool and mixed cropping farm in Goomalling. She said climate change was a pressing issue for agriculture, and as the custodians of 50% of the land in Australia farmers have a great opportunity to be part of the solution.
"Ours is a small family farm with limited resources. We’re far from perfect but we do try to get carbon out of the air and into our soil and vegetation; maximise the efficiency of our inputs; learn from the inspiring farmers around us; live sustainably; and support other people and organisations that work towards a good future. We've adapted to changed conditions already. Climate change is accelerating much faster these days, so keeping up will get harder," said Ms Kingston.
"The beauty of being part of FCA, and a reason we'd love everyone to become a member for free at www.farmersforclimateaction.org.au, is to grow our numbers so that politicians know that lots of people want them to talk openly about climate change and take strong action on it. Gutsy political leadership at all levels could really help rural communities benefit from facing the hard climate facts so we can all get on with creating the brightest future possible."
Mrs Morgan-Schmidt said the organisation was planning to rapidly grow their membership and strengthen their presence in regional Australia within the next 12 months, and encouraged all farmers, and people who benefit from Australian farming, to get involved.
“There are opportunities here for agriculture, and this is the time when farmers should be out there, speaking up and shaping what that looks like. If we don’t speak now, then the decisions may be made for us without us.”
Media enquiries: Christie Kingston, 0400 109 649