Sustainable Agriculture Vision

Byron Shire has a Vision for Sustainable Agriculture

Our vision of the future is of productive, profitable and diverse agricultural enterprises in Byron Shire – enterprises that supply fresh, high quality food as well as fibre, timber and other products and services to the Shire's community and beyond. Our agricultural enterprises working towards practices that are modelled on natural ecosystems with closed nutrient cycles and high biodiversity and therefore resilient to climatic and other environmental stresses. Agricultural production is supported by the community who recognise their reliance on agriculture for food, the contribution agriculture makes to the Shire's beautiful landscape, the alternative it offers to urban development, and its employment and tourism opportunities. The community ensures the future of agriculture in the Shire by buying locally produced food and other products and services offered by local agriculture. As well, the community supports zonings that protect land for agricultural production thereby providing long-term security for the Shire's producers. Our producers in turn are committed to long- term sustainability by embracing change and constantly updating techniques and practices to increase productivity and ensure they farm within the capacity of the environment. The rights, responsibilities and knowledge of indigenous traditional owners and their connection with the land is recognised and respected. Agriculture is integral to the Shire’s identity and heritage.