This year, Earth Hour in Australia will celebrate Aussie food and farmers, reminding Australians of the need to tackle global warming for the sake of our rural communities and our supply of fresh, healthy, homegrown food.

All Australians are proud of our farmers for feeding the nation, but they are on the frontline of rising temperatures and more extreme weather.

Flooding, drought, fires and changes in pests and weeds are affecting the very farms that supply 93 per cent of the food we eat.

Millions of Australians are expected to take part in Earth Hour at 8.30pm local time on Saturday to show their support for cutting carbon pollution for the sake of our food and farmers.

Thousands of schools will also take part on Earth Hour Schools Day on Friday, March 27.

Councillor Bill Lancaster, environment and sustainability committee chairperson said families, friends, schools and communities across the country are encouraged to register their support at earthhour.org.au

“We would like community members to host or attend an Earth Hour gathering, dinner or barbecue in their community on Earth Hour night, and get active on social media in the lead up to and during Earth Hour using the hashtag #AppetiteforChange,” Councillor Lancaster said.

“Alternatively, you can do your part by powering down for one hour at 8.30pm on March 28 or take that extra step during Earth Hour weekend and turn off other equipment in their homes such as computers, televisions, entertainment units, or DVD players.”

Council has participated in Earth Hour since its inception in 2007 and also encourages its employees to turn off all unnecessary equipment such as lighting, computers and photocopiers over the weekend of Earth Hour.

As part of the campaign Earth Hour will release Planet to Plate: an Earth Hour Cookbook, a collection of 52 recipes by Australia’s top celebrity chefs.