National ag day announced

A National Agriculture and Related Industries Day (AgDay) has been announced for November 21 this year, with all Australians urged to celebrate the country’s contribution to clothing and feeding the world on that day.

It was the brainchild of Australian mining magnate, Gina Rinehart, and is being supported by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and the Federal Department of Agriculture & Water Resources (DAWR).

The initiative was launched by Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce; and NFF President, Fiona Simson in Canberra today.

“Australian produce is renowned and enjoyed the world over – from our chickpeas in India, our lamb in Saudi Arabia, Aussie beef in fine Japanese restaurants and Australian wine across the globe,” Joyce says.

“The enviable properties of Australian wool and cotton see it featured on runways in Paris and Milan as well as on the backs of everyday global citizens."

Simson, herself a farmer based in the Liverpool Plains, says there are many ways Aussies can celebrate AgDay.

“Why not host a lunch with all-Aussie produce making up the menu, fire up a community barbecue and raise money for a good cause or simply share a pic of fabulous food or fibre on your social media networks,” she says.

Rinehart, Executive Chairman of the Hancock Prospecting Group, says AgDay is about recognising the contribution agriculture makes to the nation’s economic and social fabric.

“In 2016-2017 agricultural production was valued at $60 billion – that’s on-farm alone.

“Agriculture is Australia’s second largest export industry. The farm sector is also the powerhouse behind our regional communities.

“No matter what town it is in Australia, agriculture provides employment opportunities and supports small businesses that keep our country towns ticking."

She adds AgDay is not just about farming but also about industries associated with agriculture such as rural supplies businesses, stock and station agents, accountants and trucking companies.

To kick off AgDay, a photo competition is now open.

A gala dinner will be held in Canberra on the evening of November 21 to officially toast to the occasion.

Those who will be celebrating AgDay are urged to join the national conversation by sharing their celebrations on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #AgDay.

To find out more about AgDay and how to get involved, visit agday.org.au.