The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) has welcomed its successful FarmReady Industry Grants application of up to $121,450, which will enable WAFarmers to better equip land managers in decision-making and to support change in farm management practices resulting from climate change.

WAFarmers Director of Policy, Alan Hill, said that the funding will greatly assist WAFarmers in delivering practical and meaningful information to land holders about the current research on climate change impacts, and support the development and implementation of response strategies.

The project, which will start in July and operate for 18 months, will liaise with the Agriculture Research Western Australia’s Climate Adaptation Program, via the employment of a dedicated Project Officer.

“This project is designed to build on WAFarmers strength of open two way communications with its members and the wider agricultural community, taking the outcomes of local and Australian scientific research and relating it back, in real language, to the State’s land managers,” said Mr Hill.

“Importantly, the project will also enable WAFarmers to share feedback from members back to Government and the scientists to identify future research priorities.”

WA land managers have, over a ten year period, observed a decrease in rainfall, an increase in the variability of weather and an increase in extreme weather events, requiring a change in farm management practices.

“Farmers have time and time again demonstrated their ability to implement modern technologies and techniques to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their business. This project aims to extend this to further build resilience into their business in response to climate variability.”

The FarmReady Industry Grants are made available through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. WAFarmers was one of only two Western Australian organisations to receive funding under Round 2 of the FarmReady Industry Grants.