Much of Australia’s southeast is facing an extremely tough drought. Struggling farmers have now been given new authority to shoot kangaroos that compete with livestock for sparse pasture, during the most intense dry spell in more than 50 years.
“There isn’t a person in the state that isn’t hoping to see some rain for our farmers and regional communities,” Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair said in a statement.
This includes Birch Restaurant, who has launched an initiative aimed at helping farmers. They’ve pledged that on behalf of every table that dines at Birch until the end of their Winter menu, they will be purchasing a bale of hay for deserving farmers through the Drought Angel organisation. The initiative will continue for the duration of their Winter Menu.
Prompted by a personal connection, Birch decided to act. As the devastating effects of the drought are affecting an extraordinary amount of farmers and producers, including the ones Birch relies upon to source the quality ingredients their guests have come to love since their opening at the end of last year.
Although Birch acknowledges this is a small token of support in the grand scheme of assistance, they hope their initiative will encourage diners to join them to assist in this pledge. Their ongoing support to work with like-minded, passionate and optimistic producers will be never-ending.