Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford and Water Minister Lisa Neville sat down with farmers, business people and council representatives at Birchip Cropping Group Inc. (BCG) on Monday to hear about the challenges confronting them as a result of this year’s dry conditions.
A round-table discussion, facilitated by BCG Board Chair Caroline Welsh and Chief Executive Chris Sounness, centred on ways to support growers and communities impacted by extreme climate events, specifically around decision-making, preparedness, risk management and farmer health.
BCG CEO Chris Sounness said encouraging everyone to ensure they make both the hear-and-now decisions, as well as plans for the future is important.
“Particularly when in stressful times, it is easy to avoid decisions and withdraw which amplifies the impact,” he said.
BCG’s Caroline Welsh said the breakfast meeting provided the Premier and his Ministers with a valuable opportunity to hear first-hand from farmers.
“It was great to have a few younger farmers in the room and hear their ideas about what they needed to be better equipped to overcome the challenges that come with climate variability,” she said.
“After two years of very dry growing conditions, many farmers are facing a second real hit to their cash reserves and after harvest will need to prepare to make some key business decisions before sowing next year.
After two years of very dry growing conditions, many farmers are facing a second real hit to their cash reserves...
- BCG’s Caroline Welsh
“BCG are keen to work to support farmers in these decisions.”
Premier Andrews said the State Government was keen to support farmers and regional Victorians doing it tough.
“As someone who was raised in regional Victoria, I know how much rural communities are at the mercy of the weather,” he said.
“I want to see and hear firsthand from those affected, and support them to get them through these tough times.”
