By Selina Green and Brooke Neindorf
Australians are being urged to shop local and lend a hand to support farmers hit hard this past year by severe drought and floods.
Many have been left wondering how they can help farmers after seeing the devastating impact of drought in South Australia and Victoria and flooding in Queensland and New South Wales.
Shopping local is one way, but there are also opportunities for everyday Australians to roll up their sleeves to work on farms, or even offer farmers a holiday.
Australian Made chief executive Ben Lazzaro said buying local generated direct income and jobs, particularly in regional areas.
“We should be looking for Aussie products and produce 365 days a year,” Mr Lazzaro said.
“But when [producers] are doing it tough, it makes sense for us all to put a little bit more in our shopping baskets.”
Recent rain not enough
While parts of SA and Victoria have recently received some rain, it is not enough to break the prolonged drought and farms could take years to recover.
Buy Local Buy SA marketing manager Penny Reidy encouraged shoppers to buy SA-grown citrus, which had been impacted by an extraordinarily hot, dry summer.
While fruit size was down, quality and yields were still high.
“If you’re buying oranges in the height of summer, chances are they’re probably coming from the US … but if you buy in-season then you know that it’s grown here in South Australia,”
Ms Reidy said.
“If you buy from a local fruit and vegetable store, and buy in-season, then you’re supporting the local economy through the whole supply chain as well.”
Dairy, wine battling multiple challenges
Along with taking a hit from drought and floods, South Australian Dairyfarmers Association’s Rob Brokenshire said the dairy industry was also competing with cheaper imports.
“This is a time when we need to push back on imports and we need to become parochial as South Australian and Australian, and buying locally absolutely makes a difference,” Mr Brokenshire said.
The Australian wine industry has been battling on many fronts — from drought to reduced consumer demand and low grape prices.
Paxton Wines head winemaker Ashleigh Seymour said small and medium-sized producers were doing it especially tough.
“Next time you’re in the bottle shop trying to choose some wine for dinner, or take to a friend’s house, try and buy Australian … especially as we go through these tough times,” she said.
“Whether it’s grape or lamb or grain production, it’s not just that specific industry that is affected.
“It’s all the other businesses that are around that and support that farming community, and that stretches way further than you can really imagine.”
Volunteers also needed
For those with some spare time or money, there are also charities collecting donations and volunteers to help farmers directly.
BlazeAid relaunched its Give a Farmer a Break program, which “matchmakes” farmers and volunteers with help such as fence building, livestock agistment, and holidays.
BlazeAid founder Kevin Butler said city dwellers were reaching out wanting to help.
“If they can help avoid just one suicide or marriage break-up, or depression coming back to farmers going through hell, I think it’s worth it,”
Mr Butler said.
“The idea is [volunteers] can come to your farm, you teach them how to feed the sheep or the dogs, water the garden, or whatever, and give you a break. Or give you a chance to do something else. Or even go on a holiday.”
Regional charity Rural Aid provides services such as free mental health programs, counselling, and water tank and hay deliveries to farmers directly.
Chief executive John Warlters said it had experienced a huge increase in demand and relied on public generosity to keep up — either as a monetary donation or volunteering.
“It’s donations from mums and dads, community groups and sporting clubs, but it’s also from businesses big and small,” Mr Warlters said.
“The more the situation is shared with the broader public, and the more people understand how tough it is at the moment, they definitely want to be part of the solution.”
