Southern Dirt Inc.

Southern Dirt Inc. is a not-for-profit agricultural research and extension grower group based in the south of Western Australia. Established in 2010, the organisation represents some of the region’s most productive mixed farmers, with members located in and around Kojonup, extending up to 100 kilometers from the area.

The primary mission of Southern Dirt is to create and sustain vibrant, healthy, and prosperous farming communities. To achieve this, the organisation focuses on delivering locally relevant research and development tailored to the needs of its members. Southern Dirt fosters collaboration with various stakeholders including government bodies at local, state, and federal levels, leading research and development companies, industry bodies, other grower groups, agricultural funding organisations, educational institutions, and community organisations. This collaborative approach aims to benefit farmers by supporting innovation and knowledge sharing within the agricultural sector.

Southern Dirt also actively promotes social and community engagement through events and workshops designed to support the farming community’s wellbeing and professional growth. The organisation’s activities include exploring new agricultural opportunities, such as trials for alternative fodder crops. A notable example is Southern Dirt’s partnership with Chinese agricultural company Amaranth Ecology Technology Co to trial amaranth as a high-yield, nutrient-rich fodder crop in Western Australia. This initiative reflects Southern Dirt’s commitment to enhancing farm productivity and meeting evolving market demands.

As an incorporated, non-profit entity, Southern Dirt plays a key role in advocating for sustainable farming practices and supporting the prosperity of farmers in its region through research, collaboration, and community involvement.

Note: Southern Dirt Inc. is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and holds the ABN 85344984768RR0001.

[Sources: 1, 3, 5]

[1] https://southerndirt.com.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/3071388d-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [3] https://www.gga.org.au/group/southern-dirt-incorporated/ [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/3071388d-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/documents/f68e6aa7-df5d-ee11-be6f-002248935564 [5] https://www.feednavigator.com/Article/2017/11/06/Chinese-amaranth-deal-The-start-of-a-new-fodder-industry-for-Australia/