Community Support
Local communities can play a significant role in helping farmers by reducing their energy and labour costs. By communicating effectively with farmers, people can support them in various ways and become more aware of the impact of centralised agricultural bodies on future food supplies. People are eager to get involved and help, so finding ways to make this work is crucial.
PFFA recommend each community select a couple of Ambassadors, who have the time to spend, and have a basic understanding of farming, who could act as suitable conduits between farmers and their communities, so that farmers don’t have numerous people marching down the track to help, when in reality, farmers do not have the time to deal with this approach. We are all here to help make our local farmers’ lives easier, so engaging a couple of knowledgeable local residents to communicate between all parties is very much encouraged.
Many communities are desperately seeking smaller plots (often a couple of acres) to help produce food, in a natural way, for themselves and others within their community. These practices are often very beneficial for soil and support natural and permaculture approaches. As a farmer, if you are struggling to care for some of your land, consider renting it to local community groups, with rules if that suits to protect yourself and your land, and allow these groups to tend the land for you. Productivity and yields are incredibly important right now to cover any potential food shortages that are seemingly incoming.
Supporting Farmers with Physical Energy
Many people are willing to support farmers by contributing their physical energy. Traditional methods for harvesting and sowing may need to be considered due to rising oil and energy costs. The support of community members can be utilized for tasks such as picking and packing soft fruits and preparing the product for local sale and distribution.
Supporting Livestock Care
If you have livestock, many people would be eager to get involved with caring and feeding. Dairy farmers may need to adjust their models to incorporate human labour for tasks such as milking and feeding. Offloading cattle can be done by working directly with local communities and farmers who wish to diversify. It is important to create our own systems to ensure all animals are properly cared for and utilized, even if it requires a new perspective on the process. Local groups and regions may be looking to add beef and dairy cows to their food production systems, so let’s connect.