Federal Minister for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has brought The Pines dairy farm in Kiama to national attention for their sustainable and regenerative practices.

The praise was broadcast in Federal Parliament when Fiona spoke on her support for the Labor Government’s Nature Repair Market Bill 2023. The Bill seeks to establish a Nature Repair Market, which aims to make it easier for businesses and organisations to invest in projects that protect and repair the natural environment.

 The market will be overseen by the Clean Energy Regulator, an independent statutory authority, which will be able to issue tradable biodiversity certificates to Australian landholders. These certifications can then be sold on to businesses or other organisations. All landholders will have access to the Nature Repair Market.

The list of regenerative practices is broad, ranging from weeding, planting native species and pest control, and can include projects on land or water. The Labor Government says the marketplace will make it easier to invest in projects that repair and protect the environment.

“We must harness the power of business and private sector investment to reverse environmental decline, and we have all the elements in Gilmore. We just need to harness them, which is what this bill will help us achieve,” says Fiona.

The Minister shared the story of The Pines, which was founded in 1854 and is now a family run microdairy operated by Kel and Mahlah Grey.

“They manage all facets of farming themselves, using organic, biodynamic, holistic and regenerative farming methods. Using minimal processing with their small and lovingly cared-for herd, The Pines makes a range of regenerative dairy products, including award-winning cheese, yoghurt, a range of artisan gelato, and of course, milk.

“The Pines places a huge emphasis on sustainability and enhancing the precious ecosystem of the farm, where the wellbeing of animals and the land is at the forefront of everything and regenerative farming practices ensure nothing from the farm goes to waste.”

 Fiona also praised the agriculture industry for being ahead of the curve when it comes to addressing climate change.

“I grew up on a dairy farm, and through the decades it’s fair to say I’ve seen a lot of change. From my conversations with farmers over the years, it’s clear how far ahead of the Government they are in recognising the impact of our changing climate and the need to adapt for the future. It’s this experience we need to harness.”