Member for Agricultural Region congratulates NRM award winners

Author: Mia Davies
Published on: 15-April-2010

Member for the Agricultural Region Mia Davies has congratulated Wyalkatchem farmers Ian and Dianne Haggerty on winning a prestigious agricultural innovation award.

Ms Davies presented the A & K Hill Green Agriculture Innovation Award (WA) at the Natural Resource Management Community Forum in Wongan Hills on Monday this week.

The Haggertys received the award for leadership in the adoption of farming practices that build carbon-rich top soils; foster secure and resilient agricultural production; and improve food quality.

Ms Davies said this award is highly significant in ensuring Western Australia keeps pace with the green technologies available to farmers and landholders across Australia and around the world.

“When I come to events like this and hear about the amazing work that individuals and community groups are doing to improve their patch of land, I feel optimistic about the future for the environment and our agricultural industries,” Ms Davies said.

“Farmers and rural landholders are among the most environmentally aware groups in our community.

“As land managers they see firsthand the impact of erosion, soil degradation, pests and climate change, and have the most to lose or gain from adaptation and innovation.”

The A & K Hill Green Agriculture Innovation Award aims to stimulate innovation, rapid dissemination and widespread adoption of yearlong green agriculture technologies.

In 2009, the Haggertys grew 3,900 hectares of top quality wheat using biology friendly farm practices.

Speakers at the Forum in Wongan Hills included Ernie Dingo (MC), Wendy Dymond (Landcare), Christine Jones (Soils Ecologist), Mick Davis (Department of Environment and Conservation Ecologist), Peter Cooke (AgKnowledge) and Rowan Reid (Agroforestry leader).