Fears over new farming strategy

A Moorabool councillor fears money from the State Government's new $205 million Future Farming strategy will be wasted on glossy press releases and not reach farmers in need.

The government launched its Future Farming strategy last month to improve the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of farm businesses. But Woodlands Ward councillor Pat Toohey questioned money spent on communication strategies and departmental reorganisations while farmers continued to struggle.

But a spokesman for the Department of Agriculture said less than 2 per cent ($4 million) of the $205 million funding will be used on communications.

Cr Toohey said farms needed an influx of skilled workers and sustainable ideas now. "The strategy seems to be a readjustment of the Department of Primary Industries staff and too much money appears to be spent internally," Cr Toohey said. "We need good initiatives to attract younger generations back to farming.

"I'd like to see much more research and attention paid to beef export, wool opportunities and innovative wool uses."