🇦🇺 Australia: Where Tradition Meets Innovation in Agriculture
Australia is a land of contrasts, where centuries-old farming traditions meet cutting-edge innovation. At Sowly, we’re thrilled to include Australia in our network, bringing you the best of this vibrant country's agricultural bounty. Here’s a closer look at what makes Australia’s agricultural scene so special and how we’re planning to make a difference.
The Heartbeat of Australian Agriculture
Australia’s farming history is deeply rooted in European settlement, leading to large-scale agriculture that’s shaped the land. Today, farmers are a diverse group, including a growing number of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. Agriculture is a vital part of the economy, employing over 300,000 people and feeding millions around the globe.
Farmers in Australia manage 51% of the country’s land, making them true custodians of the landscape. However, land ownership is uneven, with large corporate entities owning significant portions. Despite these challenges, Australian farmers produce enough food to feed about 600 people per farm unit.
Embracing Native Crops and Indigenous Knowledge
Australia’s rich biodiversity includes unique indigenous crops like bush tomatoes, finger limes, and Kakadu plums. These native foods are gaining popularity for their incredible nutritional and culinary value. In 2019-20, the Australian native bushfood industry was valued at $152.5 million, and it’s projected to reach $300 million by 2025.
Indigenous Australians play a crucial role in this industry, especially in harvesting wild species like wattleseed and Kakadu plum. Their involvement ensures that the industry remains authentic and respects traditional knowledge.
Grazing is a dominant practice, covering 87% of the 394 million hectares of agricultural land. This heavy focus on grazing poses a challenge for restoring native cropland. But there’s good news: many Australian farmers are turning to sustainable practices to protect the environment and maintain biodiversity.
Facing Climate Challenges Head-On
Climate change is a significant challenge for Australian farmers, bringing prolonged droughts and bushfires that threaten crops and livestock. Despite these difficulties, there’s a strong push towards sustainable farming practices. In recent years, more farmers have adopted intercropping—growing multiple crops in the same space—to improve soil health and resilience.
In 2016-17, 5,000 agricultural businesses undertook some form of intercropping on 850 thousand hectares of land. While the number of businesses practicing intercropping increased by 5%, the area on which these practices were undertaken decreased by 20%, driven by a 32% drop in intercropping land.
Sowly’s Vision for Australia
At Sowly, we believe in the power of innovation and tradition working together. Australia’s mix of conventional farming and emerging interest in native crops aligns perfectly with our mission. We’re committed to supporting Australian farmers by providing a platform that promotes sustainable practices and connects them with conscious businesses and consumers.
Why Australia Matters to Sowly
Australia’s unique agricultural landscape offers tremendous opportunities. By partnering with Australian farmers, we aim to:
Promote sustainable farming practices.
Support local economies and small-scale farms.
Highlight the nutritional and culinary value of indigenous crops.
Ensure fair access to premium, sustainably sourced products.
Join Us on This Journey
Australia’s agricultural story is one of resilience, innovation, and respect for the land. At Sowly, we’re excited to be part of this journey, helping to create a food supply chain that’s transparent, sustainable, and beneficial for everyone involved.
Stay tuned for more updates as we work together with Australian farmers to revolutionize food sourcing. Let’s make a positive impact on the world, one meal at a time.
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