Plant-based food and beverage brand, Vitasoy, has partnered with not-for-profit water advocacy group, the Mulloon Institute, to conduct one of the country’s largest ever restoration projects.
Australia is the driest inhabited country in the world, with more than 70 per cent of its land being arid or semi-arid. Prone to long droughts, bushfires and other natural disasters, these challenges are expected to get worse, with agriculture profits in Australia falling 23 per cent in the last 20 years due to climate change.
Faced with these environmental challenges, Australian farmers are looking to increase drought resilience. The Mulloon Institute aims to educate farmers about sustainable water management by rehydrating on-farm catchments.
Western Australia cattle farmers, Warren and Lori Pensini, said the work facilitated by Mulloon Institute transformed their property and reinvigorated the natural landscape.
“Originally a eucalypt forest and woodland, historical over-clearing led to hydrological and soil health issues on our property, until the team from Mulloon Institute implemented a holistic farm plan utilising techniques and inputs that work in concert with the landscape typography,” said Warren Pensini.
“Since the work has been completed, our grazing management and productivity have improved significantly, but what stands out the most is the incredible impact the landscape’s rehabilitation has had on my mental health. Each day I am approaching work on the farm with a greater sense of joy than before.”
Since its formation in 2011, the Mulloon Institute has worked with 3000 farmers to revive 40,000 hectares of farmland, for healthier and more productive landscapes. The organisation’s latest rehydration initiative is working with Vitasoy to help 5000 farming families rejuvenate 2.5 million hectares of Australian farmland.
Mulloon Institute CEO, Carolyn Hall, said there’s never been a more crucial time to restore water to Australian farmland.
“Farmers are highly susceptible to the effects of climate change and we hope to boost resilience across Australian agriculture by giving them the tools to more effectively harness their natural water resources,” said Hall.
“The national rehydration initiative is all about futureproofing our land. We’re thrilled Vitasoy is joining us to help boost productivity gains across the entire Australian agriculture sector.”
Throughout November, for every Vitasoy product sold at IGA and Foodland stores, Vitasoy will donate funds to rehydrate one square metre of land.
Vitasoy Australia CEO, Sange Iyer, said productive and healthy waterways are vital to the success of agriculture, which is why the company is supporting Australia’s biggest ever rehydration initiative.
“Farmers are on the front line when it comes to managing the effects of climate change and Mulloon Institute creates more robust landscapes and more resilient regional communities,” said Iyer.
Vitasoy products are available at IGA and Foodland stores across the country, with purchases helping support rehydration of millions of hectares of Australian farmland. Visit soy.com.au for more information.
