On 4 July, a group of 12 regional landholders gathered in Toowoomba for the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo.
The day was a testament to the practical and progressive mindset of farmers. It showcased their commitment to reducing costs, saving energy, and embracing sustainable practices. The conference provided a refreshing counterpoint to the often divisive public discourse on climate change.
Laurie Brosnan, a central Queensland pig farmer, shared his success story of using biogas from piggery effluent to power his farm, which has not only eliminated his $55,000 monthly energy costs but also transformed waste into valuable fertiliser.
Jo Sheppard, CEO of Queensland Farmers’ Federation, showcased the Queensland Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit, which QFF helped design. The toolkit provides essential information and support for farmers navigating the complex landscape of renewable energy projects.
Caitlin McConnel, a beef producer, presented compelling evidence of the benefits of solar farms on agricultural land, with her photos showcasing improved pasture growth under solar panels over summer.
Gayle Lee was a panellist at the conference and gave an historical perspective. She spoke about the way energy companies have changed the way they work with landowners. In the 1960’s power lines were erected without compensation on her family farm.
In the 2020s those powerlines gave her family an opportunity to negotiate with multiple solar farm operators.
The operator they chose leased part of their land to build a solar farm that has been operational since 2021 and sheep continue to graze between the solar panels. A great example of how renewable energy projects and farming can co-exist giving an alternative income stream to farmers as we transition to net zero.”
The expo demonstrated that renewables can add value to farming operations in a variety of ways in a wide variety of farm contexts. The current divisive debate does necessarily not reflect the reality in rural Australia.
The Queensland Farmers Federation recognises and has embraced the opportunity that renewables offer primary producers when landholders are organised and proactively involved in renewable projects. Given agriculture will be one of the most impacted sectors by climate change, the Expo shows the path forward for rural Australia.
GBSAN is grateful to have received a grant from ACCIONA Energía to fund the local participants who attended the conference.
