|
|
|
Thursday, 7 August 2008 Coleambally’s ‘Yamma Yippers’ talk water management over a BBQ. Farmer Ian Payne shows how he recycles used cooking oil into biofuel. And Murray farmer Paul Martin talks about the potential for Australia’s rice industry to gain a green marketing edge. These are some of the stories featured in five video case studies on the RGA’s Environmental Champions Program (ECP), launched today at the association’s Annual Conference in Coleambally. RGA Manager Environmental Programs Janelle McGufficke says the case studies showcase the work Murray, Coleambally and Murrumbidgee farmers are doing to improve the environment, and in turn what the farmers are getting out of the program. “The Environmental Champions Program is a great way for farmers to share information and ideas and work out solutions to problems together,” she said. “The case studies show how this is working on the ground, from the Yenda group’s construction of an EPA-compliant chemical shed, and the district focused plans Caldwell farmers are putting in place, to the social focus of our Coleambally groups and the important support structure this has provided throughout the drought.” The ECP is an accredited program that works with government agencies and other third parties to help farmers to make on-farm improvements in the key areas of chemical management, water efficiency, biodiversity, salinity and climate change. First trialled with farmers in 2003, the program now has 263 participants and has broadened to include non-rice growers. “One of the things we really wanted to show in the case studies is the diversity of our participants,” says Ms McGufficke. “For instance the Caldwell group members’ farm livestock, winter cropping, wine grapes and rice between them. That diversity is one of the reasons the program is so successful – everyone brings their ideas and experience to the table.” Ms McGufficke said the five video clips were accompanied by written case studies, and both would be loaded onto the RGA’s website and made available to farmers, farming bodies and ECP partner organizations. “The program has grown in leaps and bounds in the last four years but we’d like to take it even further. We hope farmers in non-rice enterprises will see the case studies and the opportunities the program presents. Our participants are getting so much out of it – from exposure to new farming practices and expert advice, to the support and camaraderie the group structure brings. There’s a lot more to it than on-farm improvements.” NOTE – BRIEF SUMMARIES OF THE ECP CASE STUDIES FOLLOW. Interviews / case studies / photos: Janelle McGufficke (02) 6953 0598 or 0427 413 920 / Kate Bright 0414 575 748 The Daltons, Yenda - Farmers Nayce and Helen Dalton believe the ECP initiative not only acknowledges sustainability achievements but also creates a local ‘think tank’ to take environmental leadership to new levels. The couple formed the Yenda Cluster Group in 2004 as they wanted to be recognised for the environmental stewardship that they’d already completed on farm, as well as have more to do with their neighbours. The Daltons say in addition to recognising on farm successes, the ECP format assists farmers to identify and implement more improvements. The couple points to the EPA-compliant chemical shed design as a good example of an on-farm result that’s been achieved through the ECP process. The Caldwell Cluster Group - The ECP isn’t just for rice growers and that’s never been more evident than in the rural community of Caldwell. The farming families who make up the Caldwell Cluster Group couldn’t be more diverse – between them they farm livestock, winter cropping, wine grapes and rice. The group meets regularly to share information, support one another and develop a bright vision for the future of their land. For the Caldwell Cluster Group, swapping ideas and seeing real examples of on-farm and environmental benefits up close keeps each farmer motivated. As a result they have begun to develop a number of coordinated strategies and the Caldwell group members insist that this is just the beginning. Ian Payne, Coleambally - In today’s changing environment, traditional farming methods are being replaced with activities that address environmental concerns. The challenge for farmers is ensuring that these new practices not only incorporate a responsible environmental approach, but also increase on-farm productivity resulting in strong economic returns. Coleambally farmer, Ian Payne, is an ECP participant with the interest and drive to look beyond the established farming methods and investigate the integration of emerging technology into day to day activities. Recently, Ian developed his own on-farm facility where he converts cooking oil into biodiesel to power two of his vehicles. The Yamma Yippers Cluster Group - The Yamma Yippers Cluster Group is a great example of a group that’s tackled the ECP activities with enthusiasm and dedication while also incorporating a strong social component. Water management is a high priority for the group and the ECP, in conjunction with Coleambally Irrigation’s Land and Water Management Plan initiatives, has helped the individual Yamma Yippers farmers make real on-farm improvements in water efficiencies. It’s not unusual to see the Yamma Yippers Cluster Group discuss these and other important environmental challenges for their region over a barbeque and a few drinks. The group members say the support network has been a positive influence for all involved that is both enjoyable and motivating. Paul Martin, Barham - The benefits and results of the ECP are enhanced when cluster groups have a strong leader to drive the program at the local level. Murray farmer Paul Martin has been the leader for the Noorong Doers’ Cluster Group since its formation in April 2005 and has found the experience to be both challenging and personally rewarding. Paul volunteered to lead the group in order to expand on his skills, knowledge and experience and as part of his role, took part in the Environmental Champions Development and Leadership Program. Paul believes the rice industry has the opportunity to gain a valuable marketing advantage by highlighting its environmental strategies in biodiversity, chemical management and water efficiencies. For the full versions of the case studies see: http://www.environmentalchampions.rga.org.au/handy_info/ideas_examples.htm CONTACT |
NEWS & EVENTS |
    |
© Copyright Ricegrowers' Association of Australia |
