Wednesday, 17 August 2022

 Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:30): It is important to draw attention to the exceptional work being done in the agricultural industry to tackle climate change. Recently I met wonderful leaders who are at the forefront of the design and implementation of smart, innovative and thoughtful practice to achieve profitable and sustainable carbon-neutral farming.

Jigsaw Farms, on the outskirts of Hamilton, is owned by Mark Wootton, deputy chair of the Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council, and Eve Kantor, co-founder of the Climate Institute. Jigsaw Farms is carbon neutral and renowned for its beef and wool production, as well as leading the way in the implementation of sustainable agroforestry. It was a privilege to hear of their strategies and to be taken on a tour of their extraordinary property, from expansive pastures to forests and stunning, rejuvenated wetlands. It was so apparent that care for the environment is absolutely consuming. They are committed to ensuring Victorian agriculture is well placed to manage climate risk as well as being productive and profitable. They are a tour de force, and the impact of their work and their philosophies will resonate for generations to come. Similarly, Fiona Conroy and Cam Nicholson of Knewleave farm on the Bellarine are pioneers in carbon-neutral farming. They gave me a great insight into their scientifically proven and very practical measures which have been developed over decades. Jigsaw and Knewleave farms’ commitment to address the challenges of climate change and achieve a productive and profitable farm is critical to our shared futures.