LANDCARE Victoria Inc and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) share a common goal to build a stronger environment across Victoria for communities and productive landscapes.
In October, Landare Victorian and the VFF entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the collaboration between the two organisations.
As part of the MoU, Landcare Victoria and the VFF will support landholders to create healthy and profitable farms, that also create more meaningful environmental outcomes for wildlife and nature.
Under the MoU, Landcare Victoria and VFF will join forces to back healthier, more profitable farms across the state. By bringing local farmers and community landcare groups closer together, this joint effort focuses on practical, sustainable agriculture that cares for both people and the environment. Together, both organisations will be advocating for stronger regional investment, unlocking joint project funding, and sharing vital knowledge, so Victorian communities can flourish for generations to come.
Landcare and the VFF have a long, shared history. In 1986, Landcare in Victoria began through collaboration between farming communities and government, to improve land stewardship and sustainable agricultural outcomes. Joan Kirner (then Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands), and Heather Mitchell (then President, Victorian Farmers Federation), were joint chairs of Victorian Government’s Landcare program during its design and implementation stages. The VFF supported the landcare movement through the ‘Farm Tree and Landcare Association’ for many years, with Landcare Victoria forming out of the partnership and support.
Today, representing more than 600 member groups and engaging tens of thousands of community members, Landcare Victoria fosters genuine, community-led action on the ground. Landcare Victoria plays a unique role in the landcare system, positioning the organisation to advance the capacity and capability of community landcare.
The Victorian Farmers Federation has been the voice of Victorian farmers and rural communities since 1979, helping to create a sustainable and socially responsible agricultural industry connecting with all Victorians.
Landcare Victoria Chair Jane Carney said, “Both organisations recognise the importance of collaboration between agricultural producers, rural communities, volunteers, and environmental stakeholders to improve landscape resilience, biodiversity, climate adaptation, biosecurity, soil health, and sustainable farm productivity.”
“Landcare Victoria and the VFF share a common goal to build a stronger environment across Victoria, for communities and productive landscapes. This MoU will enable our organisations to work together on shared priorities.”
VFF President Ryan Milgate said, “Farmers by trade are stewards of the land and when we get the right support in the right places, we can deliver real outcomes for both farm productivity and the environment. This partnership is about making sure farmers have the tools, knowledge and resources they need to look after the land that looks after them.”
