The VFF team recently had the opportunity to visit a number of farms in Werribee South, commonly referred to a Melbourne’s food bowl.
The region is a large producer of horticulture produce and nearby distribution centres send produce throughout the state and Australia wide.
Farmers in this area face a number of pressures day to day on the land.
Located around 30km south west of Melbourne’s CBD, the area is zoned ‘green wedge’, meaning it’s protected from urban encroachment. This zoning type comes with it’s own challenges. Farming in a green wedge means it’s protected, but local farmers must also balance their farm operation in the shadow in Melbourne and it’s more than 5 million people. Issues such as high land rates (partly a result of enormous land values), mud on the roads, water allocations and increased traffic creating a safety hazard on the local roads are some of the issues that are top of mind.
Like many farms across the country, issues such as high input costs, access to labour, government red-tape are also pressing on these properties.
In addition to the horticulture properties, the team also visited a local egg farm. In the face of increased risk posed by avian influenza, the team got a first-hand look at the importance of biosecurity and the endless measures that are in place to protect the animals.
Many of these issues are well known by the VFF and we have existing policy frameworks that help us advocate these issues to decision makers on behalf of farmers. Visit our website to read more: https://www.vff.org.au/policy/
A huge thanks to the teams from LTs Eggs, Mason Bros and Fresh Select for having us.