GRDC teams up with Australian Year of the Farmer
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and Australian Year of Farmer today announced an important new partnership.
The GRDC is supporting Australian Year of the Farmer in its aim to educate and raise awareness of all aspects of farm production, reinforce the relationship between rural and urban communities and to help educate all Australians about the valuable role of farmers.
GRDC Chairman Keith Perrett says the corporation will be endorsing the Australian Year of the Farmer campaign and plans to announce some exciting new initiatives aligned with the campaign’s objectives.
“Australian Year of the Farmer’s desire to acknowledge the progress and innovation of the Australian farming sector ties in with GRDC’s key themes around productivity growth and the role of research, development and extension (RD&E) in continued industry progress,” Mr Perrett said.
“By emphasising food security and the Australian farmer’s contribution in feeding the world, Australian Year of the Farmer provides GRDC with opportunities to demonstrate the grain industry’s leading role and value in developing and using new technology, improving yields and enhancing the quality of produce for local and international markets.
“Across Australia there are more than 28,000 grain growers nurturing the land to grow the best crop possible to produce food for the nation and the world and to contribute to the nation’s prosperity.
“I look forward to working with the Australian Year of the Farmer campaign to showcase the commitment and innovative work of our grain producers and promote opportunities for investment in Australian grain production to a national and international audience.”
Each year the farming sector, which spans 136,000 farms plus an extensive supply chain of processors, handlers and suppliers, generates more than $406 billion – 27 per cent of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product.
“Not only is the sector remarkably diverse, but it is also incredibly successful,” said Geoff Bell, Managing Director of Australian Year of the Farmer.
"Australia’s farmers should be recognised and celebrated for feeding the nation, for leading the world in farming techniques and innovation and for sustaining the vital agribusinesses that underpin our economy,” Mr Bell said.
By dedicating a year to the nation’s primary producers, Australian Year of the Farmer aims to enrich connections between rural and urban communities and foster a greater appreciation of the fresh, clean, quality goods farmers produce to keep us fed, clothed and sheltered.
Campaign ambassador Glenn McGrath (former world-class cricketer and now an active champion of rural and regional Australia) said it was important to strengthen the linkages between rural and urban communities.
“Educating metropolitan Australians about the importance of our agricultural community is a significant challenge, but this year is providing an opportunity to raise awareness about how and where our food and fibre is produced and the people behind its production,” Mr McGrath said.
“This year – Australian Year of the Farmer – is a great time for all Australians to reconnect and to educate urban children, families and communities about the breadth of our agricultural sector and celebrate what it means to them.”
More information about Australian Year of the Farmer can be found at www.yearofthefarmer.com.au.