Soils and pastures project kicks off in Hawkesbury

With that in mind, more than 80 livestock owners, land managers and industry experts got their hands dirty at a pasture sowing demonstration and workshop at the Greater Sydney Demonstration Farm in Richmond.

The event was the first official workshop in a series of initiatives planned under the new four-year Healthy Soils, Productive Pastures project delivered by Greater Sydney Local Land Services.

Funded under the Australian government's National Landcare Program, the project aims to increase awareness and adoption of best practice land management methods.

This will protect the environment and ultimately boost agricultural productivity in the Sydney basin.

Greater Sydney Land Services Manager Paul Bennett said the Demonstration Farm will play a crucial part in the success of the project.

It allows the large number of growers and land managers in the area to access and view various demonstrations and outcomes in a mutual setting.

"This is an exciting project which puts huge emphasis on practical, hands on, interactive events and other initiatives that really showcase the importance of an all-encompassing approach to land management and production," he said.

"It's also about continuing our work with landholders and the broader community to protect and enhance native vegetation and biodiversity in our region.

"This is all about supporting a productive, sustainable and profitable local agricultural industry."

Mr Bennett said it was hoped the longevity of the project would increase awareness and adoption of land management practices that increase soil carbon, improve native vegetation and biodiversity on-farm while reducing soil erosion.

"This will benefit agricultural production through a combination of practical demonstrations, training and capacity building activities focused on approaches to improving soil health and pasture condition and other on-farm environmental assets," he said.