QUEENSLAND farm lobby group AgForce is urging producers to ‘stay alert, but not alarmed’, as police warn of potential animal activist activity on farms.

In a statement earlier this week, Agforce said the Queensland Police Service hadadvised that The Farm Transparency Project (previously known as Aussie Farms) has recently finalised a campaign calling for photos to be entered into a competition under the heading of ‘Bearing Witness’ and ‘Undercover’, encouraging footage that supports their animal activism agenda.

The Farm Transparency Project was previously involved in inciting animal activists to take part in on-property protests and incursions; particularly pig, poultry, and dairy farms.

Beef Central understands there is no evidence of any coordinated activity to invade farms. However, Agforce said it was important to be wary of the increased activity.

“As a result of their latest call for action, there remains a likely threat of aggravated incursions on farms, particularly to those operating intensive animal production activities,” the statement says.

“Members are warned that activists may install recording devices on properties and/or disrupt the operations on agricultural and pastoral properties.

“These images and videos are very likely to be uploaded to public media outlets to publicise their cause and to recruit more members.

“Please remain vigilant and report any concerns to police.”

Agforce has a series of general rules for landholders who are approached by animal activists. Remain calm and politely ask them to leave, otherwise alert the police and use a phone to film the encounter.