The National Landcare Network joins with the National Farmers Federation and Farmers for Climate Action in support of Independent MP Helen Haines’ $132 million proposal for 200 extension officers to help farmers with monitoring carbon emissions.

Landcare is Australia’s most trusted farmer driven movement with a 40 year track record.

The National Landcare Network says it’s member peak State Landcare Organisations are well placed to host the roles ensuring they make direct impact on the ground with farmers where it counts.

National Landcare Network CEO Jim Adams said these positions would be well placed with regional Landcare networks across Australia to work in partnership with Government, community and the private sector to act on climate change ensuring integrity in carbon and nature repair markets, delivering better environmental outcomes across Australia. 

“The Landcare network is unique, extension and farming is our business and we have Landcare organisations across Australia ready to host these roles.  Our networks can provide immediate support and connection to regional and remote farming communities” Mr Adams said.

National Landcare Network Director Jane Carney, who is also a cattle farmer and Chair of Landcare Victoria Incorporated, welcomes and supports the call on the behalf of the National Landcare Network and Landcare Victoria.

“It was pleasing to meet with Helen Haines MP recently to discuss what could be done to support Landcare into the future. These positions are a perfect extension fit, and hosting them within the Landcare network makes so much sense” said Mrs Carney.

Chair of the National Landcare Network Dr Louise Duxbury emphasised the desperate need for greater extension activity to share knowledge and work with farmers wishing to understand and participate in the environmental markets sector.

“There needs to be independent alternatives to the commercial carbon brokers that are emerging and the National Landcare Network as a community not for profit is ideally structured to host these positions across the country with community landcare organisations in place in every State and Territory” Dr Duxbury said.