Farmers, industry bodies and experts brave heat to talk climate action
Local farmers across horticulture, wine growing and grazing are joining forces with world-leading agricultural scientists to host a managing climate risk in agriculture conference in Stanthorpe on Wednesday, 3 April.
Hosted by Farmers for Climate Action (FCA), primary producers, industry leaders, and local and international experts will come together to better understand the climate risks and opportunities facing our region’s agriculture.
Local grazier and former National Farmers Federation president Brent Finlay said: “Many of the 85,000 farmers across Australia are doing it tough dealing with extreme droughts, heatwaves and bushfires.
“On the Granite Belt and Southern Downs we are seeing higher temperatures, fewer frost days and changing rainfall patterns. Coupled with more intense and frequent hot days and harsher fire weather, our livelihoods are facing increasing risks.
Local farmer and FCA member Rick Humphries said: “It’s time our communities took the initiative and got our collective heads around the science, the risks and what we can do to protect our livelihoods and communities”
Guest speakers include the University of Melbourne’s Professor Snow Barlow, Professor Mark Howden from ANU’s Climate Change Institute and Sarah Barker—Special Counsel, Minter Ellison, Elizabeth Rose – Director, Climate Change & Sustainability, Ernst & Young alongside award-winning farmers Robert Quirk and Gavin Scurr, and solar farm developer, Peter Mailler.
Growcom, Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF) and the Queensland Government will also share their climate adaptation programmes with local primary producers
Managing Climate Risk in Agriculture is on Wednesday 3 April from 9am to 8.30pm at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism, 22 Caves Rd, Stanthorpe.
Tickets are still available. Costs $50 for the conference or $70 for the conference, drinks and finger food. To book register at www.farmersforclimateaction.org.au/events
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Interviews and photo opportunities with local farmers and experts available.
Media contact – Rick Humphries – 0488 491 709
