Agriculture provides Economic Benefit

In this blog series on Economic Development, I talk about our natural and open space assets, town planning, local businesses, activities and heritage and how they all intertwine to provide economic benefits to the area.

Agriculture is such a large part of the identity and economy of the Macedon Ranges.

We improve the circular economy if food can be grown locally and then served in our great restaurants and cafes, or sold at our local markets.

We are so close to Melbourne that producers of food and fibre can easily get their products to a wider audience.

Exporting is also an option for some of the larger producers who wish to pursue this.

Many visitors come to the Shire because of the rural agricultural landscape and want to experience farm life as something distinct from their everyday city life.

Visitors who are attracted to our markets to purchase fresh produce also spend time in the Shire spending money elsewhere.

Regenerative Agriculture

I have been a proud supporter in my time on Council of the regenerative agricultural movement in the Macedon Ranges.

Regenerative Agriculture is a system of farming principles and practices that seeks to rehabilitate and enhance the entire ecosystem of the farm by placing a heavy premium on soil health with attention also paid to water management, fertiliser use, and more. It is a method of farming that “improves the resources it uses, rather than destroying or depleting them,” (Rodale Institute 2024)

This method of farming not only increases productivity on farms but improves water way health and biodiversity.

I have also seen first hand how it improves the mental health of the farmers who build networks with likeminded farmers to learn and share ideas, and often share produce and labour.

There is now a farmer led Macedon Ranges Regenerative Farmers group that works in this area while Council remains working in partnership with other councils, Water Catchment Management Authorities, Water Authorities and Landcare.

Can you even imagine a Macedon Ranges without Agriculture?

Find out more about economic benefits for the Macedon Ranges Economic Development vs Economic Growth and why Pest and Weed management is so important for the Agricultural industry.