New bill will be first step by ministers to protect and restore soil as fears grow over a future soil fertility crisis
A new bill will be brought before parliament this year mandating, for the first time, measures and targets to preserve and improve the health of the UK’s soils, amid growing concern that we are sleepwalking into a crisis of soil fertility that could destroy our ability to feed ourselves.
Agriculture Victoria has launched the $2 million Artisanal Agriculture and Premium Food program.
The program will support the growth of Victoria’s food and agriculture businesses and identify pathways to market for artisanal and premium products.
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June 15, 2018 6.39am AEST
What if Australia were to stop farming? At approximately 3% of gross domestic product, the removal of agriculture from the economy would be a significant hit. It would affect our balance of payments — 60% of agricultural produce is exported and it contributes 13% of Australia’s export revenue.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is undertaking a three year mapping program across nine regions in NSW commencing in August 2017 to assist local government and other organisations map important agricultural land. The program supports the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s regional planning targets that include actions to map important agricultural lands in NSW. READ MORE
This edition contains stories about organisations that have been able to achieve a lot with a little financial help from outside sources. Hear from Landcare groups, leading research organisations, government departments, and community members about; farm biosecurity, protecting native species, bushfire recovery, controlling pests and weeds, and much more!