Landcare facilitators

Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitators (RALFs)

RALFs are funded and supported by the department as part of the $450 million Regional Land Partnerships (RLP) program over five years (2017-18 to 2022-23).

The RALF component of the program has been allocated over $33 million, nationally, over five years.

RALFs are working to build the future of sustainable agriculture in Australia. There is currently over 65 RALFs based across Australia. Their role is unique, they are out in the community assisting stakeholders and are the key contacts for landcarers to learn about sustainable agriculture.

RALFs support farmers, industry and community groups (including Landcare Groups) to adopt new and innovative sustainable agriculture practices. Establishing and building partnerships with these key groups is central to the RALF role.

Services

RALF services include:

• Engaging and informing farming communities and agricultural industries within their NRM region about emerging ideas, innovative practices and relevant new government policies and programs to help improve the sustainability, productivity and profitability of agriculture.
• Facilitating partnerships that will best deliver agriculture outcomes, such as connecting industry, grower and community groups so that they can work together to address common issues.
• Assisting farming communities and agriculture industry groups to develop new projects and seek new funding opportunities e.g. Smart Farms Small Grants and Smart Farming Partnerships Grants.
• Supporting the delivery of National Landcare Program Sustainable Agriculture projects.
• Reporting to the department annually on the delivery of RALF services.
• Participating in a ‘Communities of Practice’ to better understand complex issues, improve networks and help develop solutions for national priorities.
• Attending the RALF Annual Conference in Canberra and participating in regular teleconferences with the department.
• Informing the department about emerging issues and events within their NRM regions (e.g. reporting on the impacts of natural disasters).

RALFs contribute towards the below RLP program’s agricultural outcomes:

• Outcome 5: By 2023, there is an increase in the awareness and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation
• Outcome 6: By 2023, there is an increase in the capacity of agriculture systems to adapt to significant changes in climate and market demands for information on provenance and sustainable production.

Find your RALF

To find out how your local RALF may be able to assist you, please see a list of RALF contact details for each NRM region below: