Dear member
Welcome to the first RRR e-news of the year.
We also welcome 2014 as the UN International Year of Family Farming. This year attention will be focussed on the role family farming and smallholder farming can play in eradicating hunger and poverty, providing food security, managing natural resources and achieving sustainable development, in particular in rural areas.
Both in developing and developed countries, family farming is the predominant form of agriculture in the food production sector.
In Australia there are approximately 135, 000 farm businesses, 99 per cent of which are family owned and operated.
Australian farming families produce 93 per cent of Australia’s domestic food supply - the clean, healthy, fresh food that all Australian families enjoy - as well as exporting around 60 per cent of what they grow to help feed others around the world.
The strength of the family farming model revolves around the high degree of commitment to both the business and the land on which they operate. The family farm business model can be complicated and loaded with emotional investment, but they still remain the most economically efficient model the world over.
In Australia and across the world, family farm businesses form an integral part of many rural, remote and regional communities. Regardless of where or how they operate, family farms all share the same challenge - how to inspire the next generation of farmers. Recognising the contribution of family famers internationally is a great step in raising in the profile of this sector.
Throughout 2014 we will be featuring stories from family farmers across the state as they share their experiences. If you know of any great stories to share, contact us at the RRR.
A happy and safe 2014 to all!
Michelle Barrett, Reference Group Member, Munglinup
