Nature on Farms

This major new project helps farmers and communities harness the power of natural ecosystems to climate-proof farming landscapes.

Through the establishment of ten working demonstration farms across Taungurung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Barengi Gadjin country, the project will showcase practical and evidence-based approaches to nature-integrated farming.

In two distinct farming landscapes in Central Victoria, demonstration farms will act as living models to share knowledge, inspire change and encourage adoption of a different approach to farming that recognises the essential role of nature as part of the agricultural landscape.

Combining practice change with nature restoration, demonstration farmers will show how strategically incorporating nature into farming systems can improve productivity and strengthen climate resilience, while also playing a key role in conserving Central Victoria’s biodiversity.

Drawing on our strong foundation in ecology and community engagement, Biolinks Alliance secured funding in 2025 through the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund to deliver this ambitious program.

Bringing together farmers, community groups, farming systems groups, local government, natural resource agencies and Traditional Owners, Nature on Farms is grounded in collaboration and shared knowledge.

With a focus on simple, proven practices and building knowledge-sharing networks, Nature on Farms seeks to benefit thousands of working farmers and support food production systems across key farming areas of the state.

Nature-based climate adaptation

With the changing climate and extreme weather putting more pressure on both primary production and natural ecosystems, it's critical we recognise the interdependencies between agriculture, biodiversity and human health and wellbeing, and manage our farms and landscapes with all of these values in mind.

By enhancing ecosystem function on their land, farmers can minimise the risks and losses associated with climatic extremes like drought, flood, storms, changed rainfall patterns and severe weather.

Nature on Farms seeks to help farmers across Central Victoria adopt proven methods and trial new adaptive approaches to harnessing the ecosystem services nature provides to improve farm productivity and resilience. Key areas of focus include dam rehabilitation, landscape rehydration, vegetation management, revegetation and grazing management practices.

Building knowledge and networks

Nature on Farms is equally focused on building knowledge and community. By strengthening networks and supporting shared planning, the project helps communities better understand climate risks and identify locally relevant solutions. Farmers will also be supported to access emerging carbon and biodiversity markets, opening up new opportunities to invest in sustainable practices.

Nature on Farms Symposium
The 2026 Nature on Farms Symposium is a key event in this program for sharing knowledge and building the capacity of farmers and farming contractors, consultants and local groups. The 2029 Natural Capital on Farms Symposium will share expertise, grounded in our project work, on building and monetising natural capital in farming landscapes.

Demonstration farm tours, field days and workshops
Tours and demonstration field days will share the latest regionally tailored knowledge and practice around natural asset farming, bringing concepts to life. Our demonstration farmers will act as community advocates for a new way of farming, building trust and sharing first-hand experience backed by science.

Program monitoring
Monitoring of agricultural and ecological outcomes over the life of the program will upskill farmers and provide an evidence base to demonstrate changes to soil health, moisture, pollinator presence, erosion, overall productivity, livestock health and survival, crop recovery and bounceback from extreme weather events.

Online knowledge extension
An online knowledge hub will provide an accessible, user-friendly resource library for farmers, researchers and community members, enhancing expert knowledge and enabling wider adoption throughout the region.

A vision for the future of farming

Agriculture accounts for more than half of all land use in Australia, making paddock trees, farm dams and remnant vegetation on farmland essential habitat refuges for native species. Farms provide essential secondary habitat and movement pathways for woodland birds, native frogs and endemic invertebrates.

Sharing a new approach and building capability and confidence amongst the farming community, we can help to transform how farms function, supporting both agricultural productivity and regeneration of landscapes across Central Victoria.

This program received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.