FARMERS make a massive contribution to Australia’s society and economy and it is time to celebrate sector’s vital significance to the country.
Fostering a sense of pride for all Australians in the agricultural is the motivation behind a new national initiative, National Agriculture and Related Industry Day.
The brainchild of Kidman and Co. chief chairman Gina Rhinehart, National Farmers Federation will take the lead in running National AgDay, supported by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and a host of farm industry groups.
Agriculture generates $60 billion of on-farm production, feeds 61 million people globally, is our second largest export industry and drives local economies across the country, employing more than 1.5 million workers across the value chain.
“This is a day for people who grow food, eat food and move food,” said Liverpool Plains farmer and National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson.
“On AgDay there are many ways you can rejoice in our primary production prowess.”
A major aim for National AgDay is to light a fire in backyard barbecues and get prime produce sizzling in the city and country - from Brunswick to Brisbane, Bunbury to Birdsville and beyond.
“Why not host a lunch with all Aussie-produce making up the menu, fire up a community barbecue and raise money for a good cause or simply share a pic of fabulous food or fibre on your social media networks,” Ms Simson said.
National AgDay will be held on November 21 and the official website has a bunch of handy tips on how to get involved. There is a social media campaign sporting the hashtag #AgDay, classroom materials to educate school students, a photo competition and official events.
“This isn’t just about agriculture for agriculture’s sake,” Mr Joyce told the crowd at the AgDay launch in Parliament House, Canberra today.
“This is for people on the boning room floor of the local abattoir, the people who live in the weatherboard house at the back of the country town, which has an economy that depends on agriculture.
“All Australians can feel a sense of pride in our nation’s contribution to feeding and clothing the world," Mr Joyce said.
To help celebrate AgDay, you can commit to eat only Australian produce for 24 hours on November 21, and post a picture of your menu and where the food came from with the #AgDay hashtag.
AgForce president Grant Maudsley welcomed the AgDay initiative and urged everyone to get behind it.
"National AgDay provides an opportunity for all Queenslanders to celebrate and be proud about our contribution to feeding and clothing the world," he said.
Founding partners are NFF, Coles and Honcock Prospecting.
Fairfax Agricultural Media, publisher of this website, is the media partner of AgDay.
Sponsors are invited to sign up to help promote AgDay.
