NRM South Chair Bob Rutherford, SPA Green Sheep Project manager Carolyn Cameron, NRM South Green Sheep Project manager Janneke Scheeres, Tasmanian farmers Anna Cotton and Rosie Downie with the Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins at the Agfest launch.

SHEEP Producers Australia’s Green Sheep Project was launched by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins at Tasmania’s Agfest today.

SPA said the project brought together producers, supply chain leaders and government to back a practical, industry-led approach to sustainability and natural capital management.

SPA chief executive officer Bonnie Skinner said the national launch marked a significant step forward for the industry.

“The Green Sheep Project is an investment in the long-term success of our industry.

“Producers are increasingly being asked to provide evidence around sustainability and natural capital outcomes, and this project is about making sure the sheep industry is prepared and producers are supported,” she said.

“What makes this project powerful is the whole-of-industry approach – from producers to processors, NRM organisations and supply chain partners – all working together to build the capability the industry needs to measure, communicate and respond to changing expectations.”

SPA is working with delivery partners across key regions – NRM South in Tasmania, Wheatbelt NRM in Western Australia, Glenelg Hopkins CMA in Victoria and Holbrook Landcare Network in New South Wales.

Ms Collins said the Albanese Labor Government is working closely with farmers and producers to improve climate resilience – safeguarding our food security and our trusted position in the global trade market.

“The ability to adapt to climate change is becoming an essential part of farming, which is why we’re investing in programs that provide practical tools and support to our farmers and producers.

“The Green Sheep Project will support sheep producers to boost on-farm sustainability and productivity, which will help strengthen our food security and ensure Australia continues to remain competitive on the global stage.”

SPA said each delivery partner has designed, and will implement projects relevant to their own landscapes, sheep production systems and local communities. The project is also supported by the broader supply chain, helping connect on-farm practices with market expectations and emerging sustainability requirements, SPA said.

Producers from two of the three Tasmanian sheep producer demonstration sites shared insights at the launch, including Kelvedon Estate manager Anna Cotton and Dungrove respresentative Rosie Downie.

The Green Sheep Project is supported by the Australian Government through the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust, with additional contributions from across the sheepmeat and wool supply chains.