New Eyre Peninsula sustainable agriculture project begins

Three major program components make up the project which is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and delivered by Agricultural Innovation & Research Eyre Peninsula (AIR EP) for the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel. 

This first program area is about helping the agriculture sector to adopt practices to reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change, by helping farmers to be better equipped to respond to forecast changes and increased variability of the climate through improved decision making and implementing new practices.

The second program area will see farmers being supported to drive agricultural growth, while adopting sustainable natural resource management practices that protect and conserve natural capital and biodiversity, specifically to reduce the risk of soil loss, improve soil health, increase productivity and improve carbon retention.

Acting Manager of Planning and Business Support with the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board, Seb Drewer, says supporting local farmers in sustainable agriculture practice is a key priority of the Board.

“Sustainable agriculture is one of our five priority areas, recognising that the agriculture sector covers around 80% of Eyre Peninsula’s land mass,” Mr Drewer says.

“Our region is a significant contributor to the state’s strong cropping and livestock markets, and our programs are about supporting the local ag sector with sustainable practices that help equip them for the future including our varied climate conditions, while allowing business growth.

“Having healthy soils for our agriculture industry is a particular focus of our past programs and continue with this new program. Soil is such a valuable asset to agriculture productivity and natural biodiversity.

“We are pleased to be able to continue our strong partnership with AIR EP who will deliver this program on our behalf.”

AIR EP Executive Officer Naomi Scholz, says her team is ready to roll out the program to local farmers.

“We’ve got a lot coming up during the next three years to support Eyre Peninsula farmers including webinars about understanding seasonal forecasts, workshops about paddock variability and soils training for advisors,” Ms Scholz says.

“One of the most exciting parts of the program is being able to provide EP farmers access to soils technical expertise and increasing their knowledge on options to overcome soil constraints for improved productivity and sustainability.”

The third program area of the new sustainable agriculture project will focus on improving Aboriginal participation in the agriculture sector. 

An initiative is getting underway that aims to enable the agriculture sector to respect, draw on and embrace Aboriginal knowledge. It will stimulate Aboriginal entrepreneurship, business development, training and employment in the agriculture sector, providing opportunities for Aboriginal people to participate in the agriculture sector. Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula (RDAEP) has been contracted to deliver this program.

“We value the expertise and industry experience that RDAEP will bring to this program,” Mr Drewer says. 

“We look forward to seeing RDAEP work in partnership with Aboriginal agricultural enterprises and create opportunities within the agriculture sector.”

Updates and announcements on the project will be available through AIR EP and EP Landscape Board’s website, social media and newsletters.