Chance to shape farming future

The complex problems faced by agriculture and rural communities will be tackled in a three-day event at Birchip Cropping Group next month.

Harnessing technology opportunities, declining rural social capital, maintaining rural ecosystems and improving community and farmer health are just some of the ‘wicked problems’ to be addressed at the BCG Community Network Charrette.

BCG chairwoman Caroline Welsh said the group expected the event to be very intense, but also very rewarding as it explored the ‘highhanging fruit issues’ rural communities faced.

“About 25 researchers and experts from around Australia and local representatives will lend their experiences and resources to the integrative event for real outcomes,” she said.

“The event has been made possible with the generous support of the William Buckland Foundation and is the brainchild of the BCG board and chief executive, all who saw the need for research and solutions that are wider ranging than individual projects can provide.”

BCG chief executive Chris Sounness said precision agriculture had the potential to provide huge gains in agricultural production by harnessing ‘big data’.

“However, communities might lack the capability to implement the solutions or the trust to move them forward, especially when many rural communities possess inadequate phone connection,” he said.

“Another major challenge faced by rural communities is population decline. Farmers seek economies of scale to counter seasonal variability and fluctuating commodity prices. This leads to reduced labour units, which leads to decline in rural populations, liveability and prosperity.”

Both Ms Welsh and Mr Sounness said they were looking forward to the input of locals, some of whom had returned to the region to start businesses and raise families.

“These people have the potential to influence what the future of the Mallee and Wimmera might look like,” they said.

“The event is the beginning of a three-year project and the exploration of these solutions will be supported by subsequent events and meetings. It is hoped the project will be a pilot for other rural communities to use.”

People wanting more information on the event can call Louisa Ferrier at Birchip Cropping Group on 5492 2787. internet and

“About 25 researchers and experts from around Australia and local representatives will lend their experiences and resources to the integrative event for real outcomes” – Caroline Welsh