Farmers throughout the Great Barrier Reef catchment will benefit from eight new extension officers who have recently begun a work placement program with various natural resource management (NRM) and agricultural advisory groups in Queensland.
The Agricultural Extension Work Placement Program is being facilitated through a partnership with the Queensland Government to is assist farmers in Great Barrier Reef catchments enhance their land management practices.
The program has been delivered by QFF since 2018 and 31 extension officers have graduated from the program to date, many of whom continue to work in the agriculture or natural resource management sectors in reef catchment areas.
The current cohort of extension officers will be mentored by experienced leaders within their host organisation to help build their ability to assist farmers with their land management practices and to enhance business outcomes.
QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said:
“This program provides a gateway for participants to kickstart a career in agriculture while building their capacity to support improved practices on farm.
“Queensland farmers lead the world when it comes to sustainability, productivity and natural resource and land management, and these extension officers will support farmers in their relevant reef catchment areas to continue maintaining outcomes on farm,” Ms Sheppard said.
“The Agricultural Extension Work Placement Program will see the extension officers undertake technical and extension training under the guidance of experienced agriculture and NRM extension practitioners.
The program gives the extension officers an excellent opportunity to support the work our farmers are doing every day to improve reef water quality.
“We look forward to seeing the graduates develop into experienced extension practitioners who will continue to support farm managers and businesses in the reef catchments.”
Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation Leanne Linard said:
“Reef farmers and industry stakeholders have also told us we need to invest in our youth and extension systems to sustain the agricultural industry for the future – this program addresses this need.
“Working with the Queensland Farmers’ Federation on the Agricultural Extension Work Placement Program is making a difference in reef catchments.
“Queensland farmers are dedicated to improving land management practices and reducing sediment and nutrient runoff and they seek the latest scientific and expert advice from extension officers and industry partners.
“For the next 15-months, new trainees will assist farmers by delivering extension services with their host organisations, and they will create long-lasting professional and local networks in the agricultural industry.”
Further information:
Read more about the program here.
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Media contact:
Anna Jones
Corporate Partnerships and Communications Manager, QFF
E: partnerships@qff.org.au
M: 0481 395 623