Agriculture and farming
Council recognises the importance of agriculture to the region.
Tweed Shire Council is proud to be one of the first local governments in Australia with a dedicated Sustainable Agriculture Program.
Our Sustainable Agriculture team collaborates with local farmers, community groups, government authorities and research organisations to:
- improve the sustainability and productivity of the Tweed’s farmland by regenerating soils and landscapes
- improve the environmental values of the Tweed’s farmland
- support an innovative and adaptable farming community to deal with challenges and embrace new opportunities.
Council's Community Strategic Plan 2022- 2032(PDF, 7MB) outlines how we can work together to reduce our impact on the natural environment and adapt to climate change for a sustainable future. Council delivers this through a range of services including the Sustainable Agriculture Program.
Council’s Sustainable Agriculture Program helps to deliver education programs, on-ground research and demonstration projects, policy work and advocacy (among others).
Sustainable Agriculture Strategy
Council's Sustainable Agriculture Strategy(PDF, 3MB) identifies the need, actions and pathways to address the various challenges and opportunities facing the Tweed’s agricultural industries.
Council adopted the Tweed Sustainable Agriculture Strategy in June 2016, following extensive consultation and issues analysis.
Agriculture is one of the main land uses in the Tweed. However, a range of social, economic and environmental pressures - including an ageing farming population, changing land uses and increasing variability of environmental factors - are impacting on the viability of agriculture in the Tweed.
At the same time new opportunities are emerging for producers around local food systems and sustainable farming practices.
In 2011 a discussion paper(PDF, 6MB) was developed to describe the background and extent of agriculture in the Tweed. The paper outlined the range of challenges affecting the viability of local agriculture. The discussion paper posed questions about how to balance environmental, social and economic considerations in Tweed's agricultural and food production systems, and sought public feedback.
Upcoming field days and events
We are busy planning for a number of great farm field days and workshops. To hear about these events, project outcomes and other activities, simply email “subscribe” to agriculture@tweed.nsw.gov.au.
Dung beetle workshop for Tweed farmers and producers
When
Thursday 16 March 2023, 9 am - 2 pm
Where
Stokers Siding - Dunbible Memorial Hall, 244 Stokers Rd, Stokers Siding
Register now
Contact agriculture@tweed.nsw.gov.au for more information.
Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program
Council's Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program is available for local producers. Through the program, local landholders are supported to use land management practices that benefit the farm, community and the environment.
If you are a primary producer, market gardener or small lot farmer, a limited number of grants of up to $4,000 are available for eligible activities.
The 2022/2023 grant round is now closed. Please contact Council’s Program Leader – Sustainable Agriculture on 02 6670 2400 if you would like to discuss ideas for future projects.
Grant recipient case studies