For an adventure into agriculture and an understanding of resilience it is important to remember that farming isn’t just a hobby.
The question is how does farming envisage its future, particularly for the fertile soils of the Northern Rivers that are so often subject to the challenge of housing growth.
Primex director Bruce Wright believes it is time Northern River’s communities and farmers united with one voice for the future of the region’s agriculture.
‘There’s been too much talk of late about resilience, recovery and reconstruction,’ Mr Wright said.
‘We need get back to normal and make time to develop a cohesive voice, and strategies, for an area under pressure.’
Mr Wright, while Queensland-based, has long been a passionate advocate of the Northern Rivers of NSW, its people and its produce. Among his concerns are that, without due consideration and proactive planning, the area’s fertile farmlands could become residential acreages and hobby farms with vacant land lords.
On the eve of the 41st Norco Primex agricultural expo at Casino in May, Mr Wright is making a concerted effort to gather producers, suppliers and researchers together for better understandings of the current needs of an area running from the Queensland border south to Coffs Harbour and west to the New England region.
‘Norco Primex has gone back to grassroots this year with the theme “Our Future inFarming” – sounds simple perhaps but covers a host of topics from ag technology to future planning on agricultural land,’ Mr Wright said.
‘And it’s a call to action. Primex 2025 is the right place and right time to gather all agricultural interests for a united front.’
The 2025 Norco Primex opens 9am to 4pm on Thursday, May 15, Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17. Tickets can be bought online for a 30 per cent discount or at the gates. One-day pass $20; three-day pass $45. Children under 12 free; 12-17 day pass $10 + three-day pass $20. Student/pensioner one-day pass $10; three-day pass $20.
For more information, check www.primex.net.au.
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