Greens' $600 million pitch to farmers THE Australian Greens have made a $600 million pitch to farmers with the release of the party's food security policy. The Our Food Future plan outlines seven initiatives to be rolled out over four years, including a $300 million boost to agricultural research and development. "Too many of our farmers are struggling to make a living, we're losing precious agricultural land to mining, and we're not prepared for the impacts of climate change," Greens leader Christine Milne said in a statement on Thursday. We will give our farmers a fair price and help them stay on the land, because we can't give every Australian healthy food without them. The plan also includes funding for 180 new agricultural officer jobs, an independent biosecurity authority and commission, and a food waste reduction campaign. Senator Milne, who grew up in rural Tasmania, made connecting with farmers one of her key priorities when she replaced Bob Brown as Greens leader. She launched the policy in an online forum, which the party is claiming is an Australian first. "Contrary to some perceptions, rural and regional Australia is very active online," she said.