National Ag Day 2020

In a year like no other, National Agriculture Day highlights the extraordinary efforts of Aussie farmers

Three organisations responsible for driving agricultural innovation will come together again this year to celebrate National Agriculture Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the extraordinary efforts of Australian farmers who, during COVID-19, have had our back, continuing to grow the food and fibre we all depend on.

AgriFutures Australia, the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation and Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina NSW will celebrate National Agriculture Day on Friday, 20 November 2020 online this year with a series of inspiring stories showcasing the people of agriculture.

National Agriculture Day is an initative by the National Farmers’ Federation and this year’s theme is #AgDayAU Bake Off. You’re encouraged to whip up a country classic, get the family or the community together, fold out the picnic table and chairs and raise cheers to all that is good about Australian agriculture and the people behind it.

The agricultural community is invited to join AgriFutures Australia, the Graham Centre and RDA Riverina on social media to celebrate the role of research and innovation in helping rural industries flourish and to better connect all Australians with agriculture.

AgriFutures Australia General Manager, Communications and Capacity Building, Belinda Allitt, said this year’s celebrations will be a little different to previous years.

“We are looking forward to celebrating National Ag Day in 2020 which unlike previous years will be a little different to the lunch we normally have under the lemon scented gum trees at Charles Sturt University.

“Over the five days leading up to Friday, 20 November we will showcase the breadth and depth of people who are playing a critical role in enhancing and developing our agricultural levied industries as well as those making a difference to the agricultural landscape, be it through innovation or new and emerging industries.

Get involved this National Ag Day

“To get everyone involved we have launched a hashtag #hatsofftoaussiefarmers across our social media channels and encourage you to use this hashtag and share the stories of the incredible, resilient farmers you know who inspire you,” said Ms Allitt.

Graham Centre Director, Professor Leigh Schmidtke said, “We might be ‘physically distant’ because of COVID-19 but we can all connect by supporting National Agriculture Day. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the role of agriculture in our communities, not just the farmers who grow our food and fibre but also the people who support them to do it.

“We’re proud to play a part in the industry with research to benefit our farmers and in turn thriving regional communities.”

RDA Riverina Chief Executive Officer, Ms Rachel Whiting said, “RDA Riverina is a strong supporter of our farmers and agricultural industry who have shown incredible resilience through these difficult times. We are thinking of everyone working hard on this year’s bumper harvest and we are looking forward to working on the economic recovery of our region, driven mainly by the agricultural, and related manufacturing and supply chain industries. Stay safe!”

Look for the #hatsofftoaussiefarmers and #AgDayAU conversations across social media channels.