Future Farming - Helping farmers and rural businesses deal with change

The Victorian Government’s $205 million Future Farming Strategy builds resilient rural communities able to deal with rapid change by helping Victorian farmers and farm businesses become more productive, competitive and sustainable. Future Farming delivers new support and services designed to help farm businesses and rural communities make decisions about their future, and meet the challenges of uncertain prices and demand, climate change and competitive global markets. These services are being delivered through Farm Services Victoria - part of the Agriculture and Fisheries Group with the Victorian Department of Primary Industries.

Future Farming Communications Future Farming outlines new support and services for farm businesses and rural communities - to help them make decisions about their future and meet the challenges of uncertain prices and demand, climate change and competitive global markets. DPI is working with other government departments and stakeholder groups to communicate the benefits of the work being delivered through Future Farming. Successful communication will support farm businesses and rural communities make the decisions that will help them meet the challenges faces they face.

Future Farming Kids Zone The Future Farming Kids Zone features colouring in activities and a fun animation about the farms of the future. Most of Victoria's food is grown by farmers right here in our own backyard – in regional Victoria. Our farmers produce some of the best food in the world and Victorian farming is advancing all the time thanks to science and new technologies.

Action 1 - Boosting productivity through new technology and changes in farming practices Access to the latest agricultural research and technology is essential for Victorian farmers and farm businesses to meet future challenges and remain competitive in domestic and overseas markets. Future Farming is investing $103.5 million to expand agricultural research, development and practice change services in Victoria.

Action 2 - Building skills and attracting young people to farming Building farm sector skills and attracting young people to farming are essential strategies for renewal of farming businesses and building resilient rural communities. The future of the farm sector – and regional Victoria – depends on more young people seeing farming as a dynamic, diverse and sustainable career.

Action 3 - Understanding and managing climate change Victorian farmers and farm businesses need sound information and business plans to meet the opportunities and challenges of climate change. In Victoria, average annual temperatures are projected to rise by 0.3 to 1.6 degrees Celsius by 2030. Farmers and farm businesses are likely to experience a drop in average rainfall and greater frequency and severity of droughts, storms and bushfires. Increased soil degradation and erosion are also likely and trees stressed by fires and drought will be more vulnerable to insect and disease attack.

Action 4 - Strengthening land and water management Managing environmental risks and adapting more sustainable farming practices are essential to successful, productive agriculture. Victorian farmers and farm businesses face intense competition for scarce water resources, and are also increasingly subject to community expectations and scrutiny about farming methods and environmental impacts

Action 5 - Helping farm families to secure their futures The success of Victoria's farm businesses relies on their ability to stay ahead of their competitors in an increasingly competitive global environment. Agricultural production in Victoria is highly export-focused, with some industries such as dairy, exporting more than 65 per cent of their produce. Farm businesses must develop new products, identify and secure new markets, and maintain access to existing markets to thrive and grow in the future.

Action 6 - Developing new products and securing new markets The success of Victoria's farm businesses relies on their ability to stay ahead of their competitors in an increasingly competitive global environment. Agricultural production in Victoria is highly export-focused, with some industries such as dairy, exporting more than 65 per cent of their produce.

Action 7 - Transporting products to market Farm businesses rely on access to reliable and economical transport options to deliver their products to domestic and international markets in the best condition, in the most efficient manner. An efficient and competitive rail network is in the best interests of Victorian farmers, exporters and industry.