In the lead up to Christmas, Rural Aid is encouraging Australians to keep farmers in need in their thoughts by hosting Christmas parties with a cause or buying a gift card for a primary producer family as a gift.
CEO of Rural Aid John Warlters says it has been a particularly challenging year for the farming sector and a small gesture at Christmas time can have a major impact on rural families.
“Drought, bushfire and flood are regular and devastating realities for Australian farmers. These challenges create financial, emotional and practical hurdles for this crucial sector of our community and economy,” John said.
“This year has featured all of these challenges. Vast swathes of farmland are still in drought and COVID created new pressures for farmers this year. Domestic border closures impacted the supply chain, and international border closures impacted the workforce of shearers and fruit pickers.”
But this festive season, Australians can make a difference in many ways. Gift cards can be purchased on behalf of a friend or family member that will make a difference in the life of a farming family, see www.ruralaid.org.au/christmas for more information.