Agriculture and Landcare Week on the Gold Coast celebrates farming’s role in sustainability
Landcare Australia and the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) have jointly announced the launch of ‘Agriculture and Landcare Week on the Gold Coast,’ set to take place during the week commencing Monday, 22 September 2025. This initiative coincides with two major events being held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre: the 2025 National Landcare Conference and the NFF’s AgXchange Australia. The week-long celebration aims to shine a spotlight on the environmental stewardship demonstrated by Australian farmers, producers, graziers, landcare volunteers, First Nations organisations, academics, and emerging landcare leaders who actively contribute to sustaining and restoring the nation’s natural assets.
The collaboration between Landcare Australia and the NFF underscores a longstanding partnership rooted in shared values of sustainable agriculture, innovation, and inclusion of First Nations perspectives. Notably, the NFF was instrumental in the founding of Landcare Australia in 1989, helping launch it as a national movement supported across political lines with a vision for resilient and productive landscapes. Today, farmers manage over 55% of Australia’s landmass, producing food and fibre for both domestic and international markets. This substantial stewardship places farmers at the forefront of efforts to reduce emissions, protect biodiversity, and enhance community resilience. Complementing this, the grassroots Landcare movement maintains a strong presence across rural and regional Australia, enabling effective collaborative action toward environmental challenges.
The National Landcare Conference, regarded as Australia’s largest event for landcare professionals and volunteers, runs from Sunday, 21 to Wednesday, 24 September 2025. With renowned environmental educator and ABC television presenter, Costa Georgiadis, appointed as master of ceremonies, the conference offers a rich program including keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and field trips. Key focus areas include sustainable land management, climate adaptation, biodiversity restoration, and community-led conservation initiatives. The conference also features the National Landcare Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to landcare.
Running in tandem with these events, the Agricultural Sustainability Australia (ASA) Exchange 2025, scheduled for 23 September, will gather representatives from the agricultural industry, government, finance, research, and supply chains. The Exchange aims to showcase Australian agriculture’s leadership in sustainability, covering critical themes such as traceability, nature-positive agriculture, and the use of data to support market access. The development of the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF), a nationally consistent set of sustainability principles led by the NFF since 2019 with government backing, will be a key highlight. The ASA Exchange also aims to foster collaboration through the proposed Agricultural Sustainability Australia Alliance, designed to unify efforts and strengthen Australia’s sustainability narrative in global markets.
Su McCluskey, Interim Chief Executive of the NFF, emphasised the critical role of farmers in environmental stewardship, stating, “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.” Likewise, Doug Humann AM, Chair of Landcare Australia, praised the partnership and the ongoing commitment of individuals across the sector: “Farmers, producers, graziers, and landcarers stand shoulder to shoulder as caretakers of Australia’s land, water and biodiversity. We are proud to stand alongside the National Farmers’ Federation to honour their efforts.”
Agriculture and Landcare Week on the Gold Coast promises to be a significant event that not only recognises the integral role of farmers and landcarers in sustaining Australia's environment but also provides a forum for innovation and collaboration across sectors. It highlights the converging paths of agriculture and landcare in driving sustainable outcomes that benefit communities, natural landscapes, and global markets alike.