LANDCARE Australia and the National Farmers’ Federation have partnered to launch Agriculture and Landcare Week on the Gold Coast, coinciding with the 2025 National Landcare Conference and the NFF’s AgXchange Australia.
Both events will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre this week.
Agriculture and Landcare Week on the Gold Coast will celebrate and promote the environmental stewardship of Australian farmers, producers, graziers and land care volunteers and groups, First Nations organisations, academics and the next generation of land care leaders, the very people on the front lines of protecting and restoring the country’s natural assets and landscapes.
The collaboration also pays tribute to the shared history and aligned commitment to sustainable agriculture, innovation, inclusion of First Nations perspectives, and the long-term protection of Australia’s land, water and biodiversity.
Notably, the NFF played a key role in the establishment of Landcare Australia in 1989, launching land care as a national movement with bipartisan support and a shared vision for resilient, productive and sustainable landscapes.
With farmers managing more than 55 per cent of Australia’s landmass and providing food and fibre to the nation and the world, this is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the essential role they play in nature repair, emissions reduction and community resilience. Equally, the land care movement, with its roots in community action and strong presence across rural and regional Australia, is a key partner in advancing on-ground solutions for our shared environmental challenges.
NFF interim chief executive, Su McCluskey, said farmers care for more than half of Australia’s landmass, placing them at the forefront of emissions reduction, biodiversity protection, and long-term land stewardship.
“Australia’s farmers and Landcare’s volunteers are both fiercely committed to protecting the environment. This week is a fantastic opportunity for the National Farmers’ Federation and Landcare to address the shared environmental challenges and opportunities facing our sector,” she said.
Landcare Australia chair, Doug Humann, said Agriculture and Landcare Week shines a light on the important connection between land care and agriculture.
“Farmers, producers, graziers, and land carers stand shoulder to shoulder as caretakers of Australia’s land, water and biodiversity,” Mr Humann said.
“We are proud to stand alongside the National Farmers’ Federation to honour their efforts, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to every landholder, farmer and land carer across the country who gives their time, knowledge and passion to protect the landscapes and communities we all depend on.”
In the lead-up to AgXchange Australia, the agriculture industry will gather at the Agricultural Sustainability Australia Exchange 2025 on September 23 to share insights, align on priorities and reinforce Australia’s position as a trusted global leader in sustainable food and fibre.
The event at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre will bring together producers, industry bodies, governments, supply chains, finance and research organisations.
The program features keynote sessions, technical discussions and rapid-fire “TedTalk style” presentations on topics such as traceability, sustainability credentials, nature-positive agriculture and the role of data and evidence in market access.
Since 2019, the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework has been developed under the leadership of the National Farmers’ Federation with support from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Through extensive consultation and research, the AASF has provided a nationally consistent reference point for sustainability principles and criteria helping Australian agriculture speak with one voice in domestic and international discussions.
The Exchange will highlight how the AASF continues to evolve and how it enables the industry to tell a coherent, credible story about sustainability. Building on this foundation, stakeholders will also hear about the proposed Agricultural Sustainability Australia (ASA) Alliance, a collaborative initiative to coordinate efforts and ensure Australia’s sustainability narrative remains trusted and competitive in global markets.
NFF’s general manager NRM and AASF project lead Warwick Ragg said the AASF has given a strong, shared foundation.
“The Exchange is about showing how that work is being applied in practice and where we can go next together,” Mr Ragg said.
“The ASA Alliance reflects that ongoing journey, bringing people together, not replacing what already exists.”
