Farmers for Climate Action Newsletter
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Dear FCA Members and supporters,
It is always a pleasure to bring you our newsletter! We've had an eventful month, advocating tirelessly for strong climate policies that support our farmers and regional communities. From film screenings to strategic planning, our commitment to a sustainable agricultural future remains steadfast.
Grab yourself a cuppa and sit down with some FCA news, and, as always, get in touch if there's anything you need.
Thanks, Kelsie.
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We screened our short film, 'Farming Forever,' at FCA's office hub in Melbourne on Monday this week. The event featured introductions by FCA Chair Brett Hall and NFF President David Jochinke, and highlighted the spirit of collaboration and climate leadership embodied by Australian farmers. See photos below.
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- FCA CEO Natalie Collard spoke on a panel at the Australia Wind Energy Conference & Exhibition 2024 in Melbourne last week to promote strengthened bonds between local communities, ensuring equitable renewable energy benefits-sharing benefit-sharing. See photo to the right.
- FCA CEO Natalie Collard and Policy and Farmer Engagement Office Paul Stark attended the Renewables in Ag Conference in Toowoomba last week and met with FCA members including Karin Stark, Melinee Leather, Caitlin McConnel former FCA Chair, Charlie Prell as well as electric cherry farmer from across the ditch, Mike Casey.
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Submissions: The past month our policy team has been hard at work writing submissions.
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- FCA CEO Natalie Collard was quoted in an article published in Renew Economy. The piece discusses how Australian farmers are increasingly adopting renewable energy projects to enhance productivity and provide drought-proof income, despite high upfront costs and a lack of expertise being significant barriers. Collard highlighted the growing interest among farmers in renewables, though challenges such as land use concerns and community tensions persist. Read the full article here.
- Farmers for Climate Action Board Director Anika Molesworth is featured in the Stock Journal discussing how Australian potato growers are leading efforts in sustainable farming amid climate change challenges. At the World Potato Congress, Molesworth emphasized the link between planet health and human health, showcasing the industry's potential to cut emissions and boost resilience through climate-smart practices. Read more here.
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- Former National Farmers' Federation President Fiona Simson was elected vice-president of the World Farmers' Organisation. Read our media release here.
- The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) released a 25-year roadmap to transition the National Electricity Market (NEM) to net zero by 2050. FCA CEO Natalie Collard said the document confirmed Australia's energy shift is on track and that we need to stay the course. Read our media realse here.
- Senate Environment and Communications References Committee recommends ban on carbon capture storage across the Great Artesian Basin. Read our media release here.
- Did you see the results of the Australian Community Media Survey; Regional Perspectives on Climate and Energy? The results didn't tell us anything that we didn't already know, but confirmed that regional and rural Australia has widespread support for renewable energy, and opposition to development of coal, gas and nuclear. Read the article here [PAYWALLED]
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We know that many of our farmer members are doing incredible work on-farm to mitigate the effects of climate change. FCA is offering support to farmers to seek funding to run field days, paddock walks, and other community events that showcase their work on farm. Reach out to donations@farmersforclimateaction to speak to our team about potential grants.
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- The New Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) is a collaborative initiative spearheaded by the National Farmers' Federation with support from the Australian Government. The AASF establishes a unified approach to sustainability goals through a standardized set of themes, principles, and criteria. To learn more, visit the AASF website and explore topics such as Environmental Stewardship, People, Animals and Community, and Economic Resilience.
- FCA is part of an alliance of organisations who have collaborated to produce a guide: 'Why investing in our grid is a priority for Australia.' Read more here.
- FCA CEO Natalie Collard is speaking next week at AgriCULTURED 2024 in Launceston and the Tamar Valley on Friday, August 2nd, and there is still time to purchase tickets! Join us for 'Seeds of Transformation: Nurturing Change from the Paddock to Beyond,' where community and agriculture unite to share ideas and knowledge for a sustainable future. Get your tickets here.
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Community Spotlight: Inspiring Climate Conversations
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Police-Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) Queensland OSHC services include environmental education in programs as often as possible. The children at PCYC Broadbeach OSHC were very interested in the short film put out by Farmers for Climate Action. As they watched the video they periodically paused to talk together about how they felt about the information that had been shared. The children expressed empathy as they began to understand how something as everyday as the weather could affect farmers so drastically, especially when, " the worst thing about the weather for us is that sometimes we can't play when it's raining or too hot".
The educators discussed children's thoughts of how they could solve this issue, this led down pathways from making sure we're up-to-date on our recycling, how we could keep our own record of the climate where we live and see if we can find any patterns, to creating new inventions that would change the skies!" Such a wonderful video that gave children a perspective and understanding that they had not had before. Big thanks to Farmers for Climate Action for bringing the challenge of Climate to life for the children.
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Keen to support Farmers for Climate Action? Become a regular donor today and power climate action on farms, in regional communities and across the whole economy.
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Being a lean team, we are always willing to take advice and ideas from our members. Feel free to call us on 1800 491 633.
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