Two of Australia’s leaders in on-farm conservation, biodiversity and climate change have joined forces.

The peak representative body for Community Landcare, National Landcare Network (NLN), and Farmers for Climate Action have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which aims to help advance strong climate and biodiversity policy, jointly advocate for better coordination of NRM funding across all stakeholders and share information across the networks of the two groups.

Both the National Landcare Network and Farmers For Climate Action are grassroots-powered organisations striving for healthy farming communities and landscapes. The National Landcare Network has 160,000 members in 6000 groups across Australia, while Farmers for Climate Action has more than 7000 farmer members and is growing every week. The NLN, as the representative national voice for the Australian Landcare community, has many shared values with FCA as an inclusive movement of farmers and rural Australians leading the way on climate solutions.

Jim Adams, CEO of the National Landcare Network said, “Grassroots Landcarers are increasingly facing climate change impacts and looking to be part of the solution. This partnership with Farmers for Climate Action will enable Landcarers to better engage with climate action – whether that be through knowledge sharing, policy development, or advocacy.”

Farmers For Climate Action CEO Fiona Davis said, “We are excited to be partnering with the National Landcare Network which represents 160,000 members from 6,000 groups around the country. 

“As two of the leading grass-roots groups who believe in healthy farms, conservation, ecosystems and strong climate policy, it makes sense to cooperate,” Ms Davis said.

“This MoU will mean that even more farmers are heard by the media, policy makers and Australians.

“This partnership with Community Landcare will strengthen the networks and knowledge of both organisations.”

Both organisations will work together to promote and recognise the role of farmers in conservation and the flow-on benefits of farmer efforts that improve outcomes through the provision of ecosystem services.

“We hope the MoU will further strengthen NLN’s work to promote the Landcare model with governments and stakeholders and improve our joint impact and the outcomes from our investments,” Mr Adams said.

“In an election year, with  environmental markets maturing at speed, and more farmers engaging in sustainable farming practices, this collaboration has come at a critical time.”

Pictured from left: National Landcare Network Partnerships Manager Kristin den Exter and Farmers For Climate Action Community Organiser Emily Jones in Kyogle.