SOILS for Life has come on board as the latest new member of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF).
It comes on the back of Primary Producers SA revealing last month they had re-joined the peak national farm lobby group after an absence of almost a decade.
Soils for Life is a non-profit, non-government organisation founded and chaired by former Governor General, Major General Michael Jeffery.
Major General Jeffery has been a long-term advocate for farmers’ soil health in highlighting concerns about global warming threats; especially its potential impact on global food security.
His organisation has joined the NFF as an Associate Member.
NFF President Fiona Simson said healthy soils were the key ingredient to a productive agriculture sector and continuing to protect and nurture soils was essential to the industry’s continued growth.
“For this reason, it is exciting to have Soils for Life, an organisation dedicated solely to enhancing Australia’s soils, join the NFF family,” she said.
Major General Jeffery said healthy soils were fundamental for sustainable food production.
“Our survival depends on them,” he said.
“However maintaining the health of our soils is a real and constant challenge.
“To do so, requires a coordinated national strategic effort from landholders, land managers, the scientific fraternity, governments and the general public.”
Major General Jeffery said the NFF would be invaluable in assisting Soils for Life to drive this effort.
“The NFF will expand Soils for Life connection with the nation’s leading policy developers and decision makers as well as provide a conduit to Australia’s farmers,” he said.
“As the peak body representing the interests of Australian farmers, NFF knows the acute importance of soil conservation.
“We see the relationship as complementary.
“Soils for Life will help the NFF with objective, evidenced-base soil policy recommendations and the NFF will assist with the advocacy and representation needed to see progressive soil policy implemented.”
Soils for Life encourages the adoption of regenerative landscape management practices to restore landscape health and produce quality and nutrient-dense food and fibre.
The not-for-profit organisation also supports farmers and land managers to regenerate their lands.