National Agriculture Day is on Friday 20 November and is where all Australians are encouraged to celebrate the values that impact agriculture and that drive our farmers to grow world-class food, fibre and foliage. This year, Queensland Farmers’ Federation is co-hosting a breakfast event with the Queensland Branch of Soil Science Australia, titled ‘The Future of Queensland’s Soils’.
Land and soils constitute the foundation for sustainable agricultural development, essential ecosystem functions and food security. Soil degradation is a real and escalating threat caused by unsustainable land uses and management practices, and climate extremes. Soil may be the most overlooked natural resource but there are a growing number of opportunities being recognised across agriculture such as soil carbon storage which is a vital ecosystem service.
At this breakfast, Professor Neal Menzies will be presenting a comprehensive overview of threats and opportunities for Queensland’s soils. There will also be an update on the status of the current National Soil Strategy. The development of a national soil strategy was a recommendation from Major General Michael Jeffery’s most recent report – Restore the Soil: Prosper the Nation. It highlighted that effective soil management will significantly improve agricultural production and profitability, whilst protecting natural resources.
Hosted by: Queensland Farmers’ Federation and Soil Science Australia Qld Branch