THE Victorian Farmers Federation’s Making our Farms Safer project will continue to run until 2025 after receiving a $600,000 grant from the Victorian Government.
VFF vice-president Danyel Cucinotta welcomed the extension and said the project, which was launched in April 2020, would continue to help shift the dial towards zero farm deaths and injuries.
“The project has been a vital and trusted resource for the farming community since 2020 and the team will hit the ground running to help reduce the overrepresentation of the agriculture industry in workplace deaths and injury,” she said.
“Farmers and our regional communities have told us loud and clear how important this project was to them, and I welcome the government’s commitment to helping us keep farmers safe.”
Ms Cucinotta said the project would focus on four key areas to help ensure the safety of farmers.
“Mental health is an enormous, hidden burden confronting many farmers. The VFF MOFS project will develop and publish a handbook specifically made by our farmers, for our farmers.
“The use of telehandlers on farms brings particular risks, which are a key focus for the VFF. With the new options for telehandler licensing to roll out beginning in July, we’ll be working with farmers to help ensure they understand the requirements and dangers when operating or working around them.
“In 2022, over 40 per cent of all deaths on farms were tragically people aged over 60. This announcement means we’ll be able to continue the rollout of the recently launched Stay Farming Longer and Safer handbook, aimed at farmers over 60.
“Nothing beats in-person, tailored safety advice to your farm. The team will be busy conducting on-farm safety visits, safety briefings as well as attending field days and presenting to community groups throughout Victoria.”
Minister for Agriculture Minister Ros Spence on Wednesday announced the VFF shared $1.25 million with the Gardiner Foundation and Fruit Growers Victoria.
“These grants encourage proactive measures to ensure the wellbeing of farmers and agriculture workers, while promoting diversity and inclusion across the sector,” Ms Spence said.
“It is vital that we can continue to work alongside industry to combine our resources and expertise to enhance farm safety standards and farmer wellbeing and create a more inclusive environment that can benefit all.”
