Field day highlights climate-smart agriculture

Cape York NRM showcased its new Cultivating Climate-Smart and Sustainable Agriculture project at a recent field day in Cooktown for producers across the Annan, Endeavour, and Normanby catchments.

The three-year project supports landholders to develop sustainable agricultural enterprises, strengthening participation in Cape York’s agricultural sector.

Project lead Geoff Wilson said the initiative was well received by attendees.

“Thank you to the workshop organisers for the opportunity to speak about our project, which aims to work alongside landholders to build knowledge, test solutions and share practices that are economically sound and environmentally responsible,” Geoff said. “I’m looking forward to helping participants improve production and profitability through sustainable practices.”

A key focus of the program is shared learning. At the workshop, participants discussed establishing a Community of Practice to encourage peer-to-peer learning, identify priorities for improving agricultural practices, and develop solutions to common issues.

The project will also build local capacity through workshops and demonstration sites showcasing approaches to support climate resilience and sustainable agriculture suited to Cape York. Examples of key practices that may be considered include cattle grazing management, soil health management, water management and irrigation efficiency, and increasing local food production.

The field day, hosted by Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Inc. and facilitated by Trevor Meldrum, included presentations from the Department of Primary Industries and InFarm, an agricultural AI company. More than 20 participants attended, including members of the Annan, Normanby and Endeavour Catchment Group, Indigenous elders, and representatives from James Cook University and Cook Shire Council.

The event was supported by the Queensland Government’s Reef Water Quality Program and sponsored by AgriFutures Australia and Cape York NRM.

Meet our project lead

Geoff Wilson leads the Cultivating Climate-Smart and Sustainable Agriculture in Cape York Peninsula project for Cape York NRM. 

Geoff grew up in a grazing family in Central Queensland and has called Far North Queensland home for more than 20 years. He has worked with the Australian Banana Growers Council and Monash University’s Eliminate Dengue project, bringing a wealth of experience in both agriculture and community-based programs, alongside a keen interest in sustainability.

“I was taught from a young age that if you look after the land, the land will look after you,” Geoff said.

Producers can learn more about the project by visiting the project webpage or emailing geoff.wilson@capeyorknrm.com.au.

This project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.

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