A REGISTER has been set-up for fire-affected farmers needing seed for the 2016 season and for graingrowers who would like to supply that seed.
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Grain Producers SA chief executive officer Darren Arney said the Pinery Fire Seedbank would allow growers to register what extra seed they have retained and whether it was for donation or sale.
![LENDING HAND: Grower are being asked to put aside any extra seed they may have to either donate or sell to farmers affected by the recent fires in the Lower Mid North. LENDING HAND: Grower are being asked to put aside any extra seed they may have to either donate or sell to farmers affected by the recent fires in the Lower Mid North.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/3AVQXXVxehY6aUCkmGUt6Z2/d708ff9f-5150-4901-8bba-e4ff401e7e55.jpg/r0_0_4636_2617_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
“At present, it is still unknown how much seed is required and it could take some time to compile the needs of individual growers so as harvest is nearing its end, we are asking farmers to consider holding back some seed for growers impacted by the fires,” he said.
“Over the coming months, there will be a process of determining the needs for donated seed and seed for sale but for the moment, we just need to ensure there will be seed available and that the various needs of fire-affected farmers are covered.”
Mr Arney said GPSA would attend the Mallala Ag Bureau’s ‘Fire Recovery and Soil Protection’ meeting, set for this Wednesday at 2pm at the Mallala Football Club.
The meeting aims to inform landholders about options for recovery from the Pinery fires with speakers from PIRSA, CSIRO and the GRDC.
Funding opportunities will be discussed, as will options to stabilise bare soils.
“GPSA has had numerous offers from producers across the state wanting to help their fellow graingrowers in need and one of the options has been to cultivate bare paddocks to help reduce drift,” Mr Arney said.
“Some producers in the fire-affected area have already started this and we will be discussing with those affected what their needs are on this and whether a coordinated approach to labour and machinery would be helpful.”
- Details: To register to either donate, sell or receive seed contact GPSA on 1300 734 884