Despite increased difficulties presented by weather volatility and climate change, Australian farmers continue to use technology to adapt, and want the next generation to embrace life working on the land.
The most recent Farmer Voice survey, an independent global research project commissioned by Bayer, showed out of the more than 2000 farmers interviewed, 90 per cent worldwide are worried about climate change.
The survey gathered insights from farmers across eight countries, including Australia, the US, Brazil, Germany, Ukraine, China, India and Kenya.
Over the next three years, Australian farmers are expecting political or regulatory decisions, climate and weather events, and price and income volatility to remain their top challenges.
To counteract this, Australian farmers are leading the adoption of digital technologies when compared to farmers globally, with 90 per cent of Australian farmers using technology to support their farming practices, compared to 65 per cent globally.
While Australians recognise the importance of our farmers, 90 per cent globally do not feel that their voice is being heard. They want those outside the industry to better understand that they are crucial to our food security.
Bayer Crop Science ANZ managing director, Warren Inwood says farmers globally are facing many of the same challenges, and that Australian farmers are well-positioned to maintain their competitive edge – with the right policy support.
“Australia is one of the most food-secure nations in the world, thanks to our farming community giving us access to world class food on our tables each night, and this deserves to be protected,” Warren says.
“Science has its role to play.
“By tapping into scientific agricultural solutions, farmers have access to tailored tools to plant, grow and, importantly, protect their harvests.
“While the challenges are known, the opportunity to act is also clear. We must continue to innovate, collaborate and deliver the solutions farmers need.”
Warren says despite the challenges on the land, more Australian farmers would encourage the next generation to follow in their footsteps.
“An overwhelming 75 per cent of our farmers said they would encourage their children and grandchildren to pursue a career in farming,” he adds.
“This not only means ensuring they have the support services they need financially and health wise, but that we are also providing them with solutions to farming challenges that impact the quality and quantity of their crops.
“Collaboration and swift action at scale are key to mitigating the global food crisis and preventing longer-term food shortages at home and abroad.
“Strengthening our global food system requires prioritising access to innovation, supporting farmers, and an active approach to responding to what farmers are saying.”
Warrens says growing food to withstand new pest and disease threats and using innovative breeding techniques to help crops grow in more diverse climates and weather conditions will help ensure a more secure global food supply.
“We know breakthrough gene editing technologies like CRISPR are fast-tracking the tools to protect plants against climate change impacts. If we can do this as a country, it’s not just farmers who are going to benefit – it's everyday Aussies who will be guaranteed fresh produce year-round at an affordable price,” he concluded.
Key survey result showed:
