Monday 24 February 2025
On 7 February, the Southern Forests Food Council (SFFC) welcomed over 60 young farmers and industry stakeholders aged between 18 and 25 to a Young Grower Sundowner.
The impressive turnout highlighted a strong and passionate community of young people committed to farming and showed that the future of agriculture is bright in the region.
Local growers took the opportunity to share stories about their pathways back to the farm – including those who left to study agriculture and those who studied in completely different fields.
One grower recommended gaining experience beyond the region: “If you can, travel the world and look at how other people are doing things. I spent 6 months in the UK as a farm manager and learnt a great deal of useful information and techniques. We are in a good place to travel too, a good deal of the world looks to Australia for best agricultural practice, so there are other farms around the world looking for young Aussie farmers”
The event also provided a platform for open discussions on the challenges facing young growers. One key concern raised was the rising financial pressures associated with increasing costs of equipment, fertiliser, and other essential inputs.
Stronger government support was also echoed by many in the group as a vital driver of growth and change for the industry.
Another common view centred on the need for greater consumer awareness around the time, resources, and financial investment required to produce food.
“Farmers and food producers genuinely care. Most farmers are not motivated by the greed for money, assets or market share but rather by the joy and pride associated with producing high quality, sustainable and nutritious food and seeing it enjoyed by people around the country or world.”
Over 50 attendees completed a survey, which provided these anonymous insights and will now provide invaluable information for the SFFC as the organisation develops future opportunities and support for the group.
“We’re excited about working with young farmers,” SFFC Chair Dr Arthur Wilson said. “Their vision for the future of our industry is vital, and we want to support them in shaping a sustainable and prosperous path forward.”
Contact:
Please contact Laura Bolitho on 08 9772 4180 or info@southernforestsfood.com
Website: http://www.southernforestsfood.com
Facebook: Genuinely Southern Forests
Instagram: @genuinelysouthernforests
LinkedIn: Southern Forests Food Council
Southern Forests Food Council:
The Southern Forests Food Council was founded in 2010 by a group of passionate local producers who recognised that the wealth and abundance of produce grown in the region made it perfect for major food production and agri-tourism. Its role was formalised in 2012 after receiving a $5 million investment from the State Government. The investment is part of a $7 million allocation to the Shire of Manjimup for its Agricultural Expansion Project. The SFFC has received a further $725,000 over two and a half years through the State Government to focus on activities and implement strategies that secure its long-term sustainability and enhance the Genuinely Southern Forests brand.
The Food Council is committed to unifying the area’s world-class and diverse producers to strengthen the region’s economy, build resilience, attract investment and export opportunities, promote regional pride, and create sustainable jobs. It represents local producers, culinary and agri-tourism operators who live and work in what is WA’s premier food bowl, aiming to ultimately establish the Southern Forests as an internationally recognised sustainable agricultural region and culinary tourism destination.
The Southern Forests produces over 50 different types of fruits and vegetables, truffles and boutique produce, dairy, sheep, pork and cattle farms, as well as award-winning wineries and exceptional culinary experiences. The Southern Forests region is heavily invested in agriculture, with $230 million of agricultural production coming from the region
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