The Research
The research that underpins this site was a result of three key things: my own personal interest in farming, my work in mental heath and rural communities; and a general curiosity about how young farmers viewed their farming situations.
To what extent could public policy (support or not support), young farmers?, I wondered. My employer at the time, Mid North Health, was keen to support young farmers. They hoped that any information I could come up with may help with further decisions in policy planning.
Like many, I had also noticed the impact that rural decline and globalisation was having upon young farmers.
It was important to me to provide an opportunity for young farmers to talk openly about their lives and experiences. This research provided a valuable chance for them to share this information in a safe and supportive way. It also helped young farmers recognise their own strengths.
This has been perhaps the most important thing: the experience has created further solidarity between young farmers, thereby strengthening their voices.
I am hopeful that what I have created here will give young farmers, policy makers and all interested others the ability to explore my research in detail. And that the other information on the site will be used, shared, and referred back to.
Young farmers need ‘to have a voice’. More importantly, they need ‘to be heard’ by those that have some power to make changes for the better.
Read the Acknowledgements here.