LISTEN: Dr John Grant from Southern Cross University talks about soils.
“ Soils tend to be hugely neglected or taken for granted. Soils are not appreciated or given the importance that they really do have.”
In his speech for World Soil Day in December 2024, soil scientist Dr John Grant from Southern Cross University (SCU) said it was time for people to re-establish their connection to our soils, and to understand the linkages between soils, food and farming.
He spoke in front of more than 80 people, at the Good Soils, Good Food event in Lismore, hosted by the Southern Queensland and Northern NSW (SQNNSW) Innovation Hub and SCU.
Dr Grant created a story, or fable, with a “Northern Rivers” vibe, to explain how food is a gift given to us by “our mother” – the soil, the Earth.
“ We need to appreciate farmers and the role that they play in delivering this gift to us, the gift of life, and try to understand them better,” he said.
“And, more importantly, to give them the time and the resources to care for the soil that they are looking after.”
Following his talk, Dr Grant facilitated a panel discussion with local farmers:
- Mark Bayley from Singing Farmer Organics
- Paean Fassos from Five Sixty Farms
- Julia Bolam from Roseberry Growers
- Frank Boyle from Marlivale Farm.
Each of the farmers shared how their connection to soil helped them grow food. They also talked about their challenges and motivations when it comes to caring for their landscapes.
You can see from photos from the event on the Farming Together Facebook page.