THE Australian Institute of Ecological Agriculture will debut in Orange on Thursday night.
Described by institute spokesman Kerry Cochrane as a farmer support and research organisation, it’s launch will coincide with release of a new book by Charles Massy, “The Call of the Reed Warbler”, at the Duntry League Golf Club from 6pm.
Mr Cochrane said the institute had been formed to support farmers seeking an eco-friendly path.
“Farming ecologically means being concerned for the entire agri-system value chain, for our catchment, for the country as a whole and the integrity and viability of our living planet,” said Mr Cochrane.
“We do what we can, wherever we can make a difference.
“Accepting the status quo seems to be getting the planet into more and more trouble,” he said.
Mr Cochrane said since the end of World War II nitrogen phosphorous had created huge yield gains and coincided with the “green revolution”, the introduction of artificial fertilisers, pesticides, and high-yield crop varieties.
“But the nitrogen is killing fungi, the role of which is to distribute nitrogen,” he said.
This and other environmental calamities had farmers on edge, he said.
He described the group as a support network across the Central West that will help farmers at a time when “profound stresses and uncertainties” are causing more and more primary producers to doubt the future.
“The institute will provide a space for mutual support among farmers and agricultural professionals who may not know where they want to be in 10 years’ time, but are convinced they need to do something differently to be part of a more sustainable food and fibre industry,” he said.
The institute would be part of “where to next,” said Mr Cochrane.
The launch is on Thursday at the Duntry League Golf Club from 6 to 8pm and will be followed by one in Dubbo on Friday at the Western Plains Cultural Centre from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Admission is by note donation.
For more information email institute secretary Kirsty Yeates at kayeates@yahoo.com.au
