Farmers have got your back. This is the message for Melbourne commuters this week, as part of the National Farmers Federation's ongoing campaign to reassure Australians.
"Farmers want all Australians to know that running out of food is one thing they don't need to be worrying about in these challenging times," NFF President Fiona Simson said.
The NFF is speaking directly to the public with the installation with a message of support on billboards across Melbourne.
"Farmers and all the in the food supply take very seriously the vital role we play in the lives of all Australians.
"And, right now the provision of fresh produce has never been more important to the health and wellbeing of Aussies.
"Farmers are experts at working from home, growing the fruit, veggies, grains, milk, meat and more that are staples in the diets of Australians young and old."
Ms Simson said measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 had prompted many shoppers to buy significantly more groceries than they normally would, in some cases leaving supermarket shelves bare.
"Farmers and the many other people who are working hard to get food from paddock to plate, want shoppers to know that there is more than enough food to feed Australians many times over.
"Supermarket shelves will always be replenished, there is no need to panic buy or hoard.
Australian farmers produce enough food to feed 75 million people, there are only 25 million Australians. About 85% of the produce in our supermarkets is Australian grown.
Ïn fact, every Australian could triple their consumption of both beef and lamb and still not eat all the beef and lamb produced in Australia.
Almost 100% of the chicken Australians enjoy, is home grown.
"Farmers have felt the support of Australians during recent tough times including drought and bushfire," Ms Simson said.
"Right now, we want to reassure the community, that farmers have got their back, by continuing to grow the produce they need to keep themselves and their family healthy," Ms Simson said.
The billboards were made possible by the support for farmers from Civic Outdoor Media and Nunn Media.
