‘Together We Grow, Together We Prosper’ artwork by David Williams of Gilimbaa.
The National Farmers’ Federation will host a series of roundtables in April-May to confirm support for the broad characteristics and principles that must be used in defining Indigenous agricultural products.
The roundtables are the next phase in consultation in the Indigenous Agricultural Product Framework Project, being led by the NFF and jointly funded by the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC).
NFF President David Jochinke said it was essential the widest range of voices were heard at this stage to ensure project’s objectives are achieved, including delivering ongoing prosperity to Indigenous peoples and business by being able to demonstrate authenticity and verifying claims about their products.
“The first and most important step is to reach agreement among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander producers about what characteristics must define an Indigenous agricultural product,” Jochinke said.
“We are calling all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people involved in agriculture, as well as non-Indigenous people interested in promoting Indigenous prosperity through agriculture, to participate in one of the roundtables.”
Initial consultations with a range of key stakeholders identified five characteristics as critical to the definition of an Indigenous Agricultural Product:
- connection to Culture;
- connection to Country;
- sustainability;
- collective benefit; and
- economic self-determination.
The roundtables will be focused on:
- confirming support for the five characteristics of Indigenous agricultural products that have been identified through initial consultation with Indigenous people and business;
- seeking input on a proposed working definition of an Indigenous agricultural product that draws on the identified five characteristics; and
- testing interest in establishing a supporting credential system, enabling producers to make verified claims about their products in market.
Six (6) virtual roundtables will be held at the following times.
- Wednesday 17th of April from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Thursday 18th of April 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Tuesday 23rd of April 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday 24th of April 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Wednesday 1st of May 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Thursday 2nd of May 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Parties interested in registering for a roundtable, or requiring further information on the roundtables or the project can visit here.
Those unable to participate in a roundtable session but interested in contributing to this important phase in consultation are encouraged to complete a short survey, also available at the above webpage.
Artwork story and credit
The Indigenous Agricultural Product Framework is the first of its kind in Australia and focuses on empowering First Nations people in the nation’s agricultural sectors.
First Nations knowledge and thinking will be found at its centre. The voices of this land’s first agriculturalists, innovators, and scientists will be heard at its heart.
First Nations people have cared for the lands and waters, and mastered agricultural techniques over thousands of years, passing on stories, expertise, and knowledge for the benefit of future generations.
The Framework can be an important part of securing a more prosperous and equitable future for all Australians, too.
Its success relies on the connections and collaborations between its creators and caretakers as they embark on this journey.
By increasing recognition of First Nations people in agriculture, it can be a platform for change.
And by strengthening economic opportunities for First Nations people, it can help to close the gaps and empower all Australians to grow and prosper together.
The artwork concept and narrative was developed by David Williams. David is a proud Wakka Wakka artist at Gilimbaa.
