Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud has thanked farmers and the agriculture industry on World Soil Day.
The Shadow Agriculture Minister said the former Coalition Government had left a strong legacy when it comes to soil, introducing a National Soil Strategy.
“Soil is so important and the reason behind our world’s best fruit, vegetables, dairy and meat,” Mr Littleproud said.
“As the previous Agriculture Minister I was proud to introduce a National Soil Strategy to ensure Australia’s soil resources were recognised and valued.
“The 2021-22 Coalition Budget delivered $196.9 million in new funding over four years to implement the strategy and associated measures.
“Funding was provided for a two-year National Soil Monitoring and Incentives Pilot Program trial, to improve our understanding of Australia’s soil condition and how to better manage it.”
Mr Littleproud noted Agriculture Minister Murray Watt recently announced $30 million in grant funding, to help make it easier for farmers and land managers to measure the amount of carbon in their soils.
“I am pleased these grants have been given – this was a key policy of the Coalition Government and a decision made as former Agriculture Minister,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I am pleased these projects will share in the first round of grants from what was the Coalition’s National Soil Carbon Innovation Challenge.”
Healthy soils are central to delivering resilience to climate change and natural disasters, meeting emission reduction targets, growing the agriculture industry and securing food and water security, biodiversity and economic growth.
World Soil Day 2022 aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, increasing soil awareness and encouraging societies to improve soil health.
