AN enthusiastic crowd of local growers turned out to the launch of a new partnership between Greater Sydney Local Land Services and NSW Farmers at Peats Ridge recently.
About 30 farmers from across the Central Coast took part in the event which is aimed at providing more targeted and strategic support for the local agricultural industry.
NSW Farmers Central Coast Horticulture Branch president and avocado farmer Tim Kemp said the project was an opportunity for industry, growers and government to work together to achieve the best outcomes for the farming community.
“This partnership is the first of its kind in NSW and has been made possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Greater Sydney Local Land Services team who went above and beyond to make it a reality,” he said.
“We encourage more growers to come forward and give us feedback on local issues and suggestions around how we can support a more sustainable and productive agriculture industry.”
Greater Sydney Local Land Services sustainable farming development officer Sonia Lee said the enthusiasm from the crowd was encouraging.
“We received great feedback from the farmers about what they’d like to see from the project and the key issues some of them are facing,” she said. “It is the growers that will shape our work.”
Key aspects of the project will include:
• Assistance to manage key issues for farmers in the region
• Updates and information on latest practices and technologies, with a local focus.
• Networking with other growers via field days, discussion groups, and other events
• Increased access to grant funding and industry support services
• Encouraging youth involvement in the industry
• Strengthening local farmer networks
The partnership is co-ordinated by the NSW Farmers Central Coast Horticulture Branch under the NSW Government’s Local Landcare Coordinators initiative.
