Partnering to implement the National Soil Action Plan 2023 – 2028
Projected end date: 2028
Summary
Initiatives from ACT Natural Resource Management (ACT NRM), the Soil Champions program and the Landscape Rehydration and Soil Health program have been developed to support the implementation of the National Soil Action Plan 2023 – 2028. These programs not only focus on enhancing soil biology and structure but also aim to foster collaboration among farmers and public land managers.
Background
There is a growing recognition of the vital role that healthy soil plays in sustaining our ecosystems and ensuring agricultural productivity. With the increasing pressures of climate change, it's more crucial than ever to promote regenerative agricultural methods.
Project goals
- Develop peer-to-peer mentoring groups and facilitate farmers to move to regenerative agricultural practices.
- Increasing the number of public land managers adopting regenerative land management practices.
Project details
Soil Champions - Soil coaching and soil mentoring program
This program aims to develop a peer-to-peer mentoring group and facilitate ACT farmers to move to regenerative agricultural practices with a focus on improvement to soil biology and soil structure, allowing greater air porosity and water permeability. It will include collection of soil data to help guide best practice management and future investment in soils. The program will be a pilot for adoption of better land management practices that can be replicated in future years of the National Soil Action Plan in the ACT.
Landscape Rehydration and Soil Health across ACT Parks and Urban Spaces program
This program aims to re-establish hydrological capacity in soils and restore natural soil functions in ACT catchments by increasing the number of public land managers adopting regenerative land management practices. The project will focus on improvement to soil biology and soil structure, allowing greater air porosity and water permeability, through extension, field days and workshops that demonstrate best practice techniques and provide skill development.
More information
ACT Regenerative Agriculture Officer
Aaron is a third-generation farmer with a strong foundation in agroecological systems, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Living and working within the agricultural sector for most of his life, Aaron studied Regenerative Agriculture at Southern Cross University and is passionate about fostering best-practice land and soil management. He is driven to support the co-creation of regenerative landscapes and communities by helping to forge stronger connections between people and their environments.
Contact
Aaron Fahey:
Phone 0417 037 875 or email Aaron.fahey@act.gov.au.