Asia-Pacific

Australian farmers call for protection of species

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-01-11 16:53

CANBERRA: The National Farmers Federation (NFF) on Monday called for the Australian government to expand a conservation program to cover all listed endangered species.

The Environmental Stewardship Program, which commenced in 2007- 08, is currently in its first phase and has been well supported by farmers over the past two years.

The NFF wants the program expanded to cover all endangered species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

"Under the 2010 federal budget, we are calling on the Rudd government to expand the Environmental Stewardship Program to cover all endangered species and ecological systems listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act," NFF President David Crombie said in a statement.

Farmers are Australia's frontline in positively and proactively managing environmental needs, Crombie said.

"When we think of complex ecosystems, natural habitats and endangered species, I don't think people realize these national assets are literally in farmers' backyards."

Environmentally friendly practices are generating long-term profitability and improved drought resistance, and making farmers' resources more sustainable, Crombie added.