Farmer News
1 November, 2026
Collaboration to back more profitable farms
THE future of farming across Victoria took a solid step forward recently with Landcare Victoria and the Victorian Farmers Federation entering a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration between the two groups.
The two organisations share a common goal – to build a stronger environment across Victoria for communities and productive landscapes.
As part of the MoU, Landcare Victoria and the VFF will support landholders to create health and profitable farms that also create more meaningful environmental outcomes for wildlife and nature.
Under the MoU, the two organisations will join forces to back healthier, more profitable farms across the state.
By bringing local farmers and community landcare groups closer together, this joint effort focuses on practical, sustainable agriculture that cares for both people and the environment.
Together, both organisations will be advocating for stronger regional investment, unlocking joint project funding, and sharing knowledge so Victorian communities can flourish for generations to come.
Landcare and the VFF have a long, shared history.
In 1986, Landcare in Victoria began through collaboration between farming communities and government to improve land stewardship and sustainable agricultural outcomes.
Joan Kirner (then Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands) and Heather Mitchell (the president of the VFF) were joint chairs of Victorian Government’s Landcare program during its design and implementation stages.
The VFF supported the landcare movement through the Farm Tree and Landcare Association for many years, with Landcare Victoria forming out of the partnership and support.
Today, representing more than 600 member groups and engaging tens of thousands of community members, Landcare Victoria fosters genuine, community-led action on the ground.
Landcare Victoria plays a unique role in the landcare system, positioning the organisation to advance the capacity and capability of commuity landcare.
The Victorian Farmers Federation has been the voice of Victorian farmers and rural communities since 1979, helping to create a sustainable and socially responsible agricultural industry connecting with all Victorians.
“Both organisations recognise the importance of collaboration between agricultural producers, rural communities, volunteers and environmental stakeholders to improve landscape resilience, biodiversity, climate adaption, biosecurity, soil health and sustainable farm productivity,” Landcare Victoria chair Jane Carney said.
“Landcare Victoria and the VFF share a common goal to build a stronger environment across Victoria for communities and productive landscapes.
“The MoU will enable our organisations to work together on shared priorities.”
VFF president Ryan Milgate said farmers, by trade, were stewards of the land.
“When we get the right support in the right places, we can deliver real outcomes for both farm productivity and the environment,” Mr Milgate said.
“This partnership is about making sure farmers have the tools, knowledge and resources they need to look after the land that looks after them.”