RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

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RIRDC Completed Projects in 2002-2003 and

Research in Progress as at June 2003

Sub-Program 4.2

RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL

SYSTEMS

September 2003 RIRDC Publication No 03/075

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© 2003 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 0642 58642 x ISSN 1440-6845 "RIRDC Completed Projects in 2002-2003 and Research in Progress as at June 2003 - 4.2 Resilient Agricultural Systems" Publication No 03/075 The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. RIRDC Resilient Agricultural Systems Research Manager Dr George Wilson RIRDC Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6281 2160 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected] RIRDC Publications Manager Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 3186 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Published in September 2003 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

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Foreword

This year RIRDC has produced Research in Progress, June 2003, which contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 2002-2003 for all of the Corporation’s 20 program areas. The complete report on all the programs is only available in electronic format on our website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au The following report is a hardcopy extract covering Sub-Program 4.2. It contains all entries from continuing and completed Resilient Agricultural Systems research projects funded by RIRDC. This program aims to enable agricultural production systems that have sufficient diversity, flexibility and robustness to be resilient and respond to challenges and opportunities. This report is the newest addition to our extensive catalogue of over 900 research reports, videos and CD-ROMS of projects supported by RIRDC. Please contact us for the latest publications catalogue or view it on our website: downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop

Simon Hearn Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

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Contents

4.2 RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS COMPLETED PROJECTS

Sustainable production systems development

PROJECT No

PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No

ASH-1A Innovative paths for sustainable farm business expansion Mr. Rod Ashby (03) 5224 2663 RG Ashby Pty Ltd 1

CSE-83A National electronic modelling network for pest, disease and weed management Dr. Robert Sutherst (07) 3365 1867 CSIRO Entomology 2

HRD-2A Increasing the opportunities for use of organic wastes in the Tasmanian vegetable industry Mr. John McPhee (03) 6421 7674 DPI (Tasmania) 3

QDN-7A Use of fire to control parthenium weed Dr. Kunjithapatham Dhileepan (02) 4787 3300

Queensland Dept of Natural Resources and Mines 4

RMI-10A Re-use potential of agri-industry wastes in the Melbourne/Metropolitan region Dr. Barry Meehan (03) 9660 2119

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology 5

UQ-90A System theory for sustainable development and food security A/Prof. Ken Rickert (07) 4632 6262

The University of Queensland 7

New and Emerging agri-industry systems

PROJECT No


DAV-177A

OPTIONS SERIES: Feasibility of community supported agriculture (Subscription farming) in Australia Mr. Greg Cahill (03) 5430 4444

Dept of Primary Industries (Vic) 8

DAW-99A Land valuation as a potential driver for environmental management systems Mr. Paul Findlater (08) 9956 8535 Dept of Agriculture (WA) 9

NYP-1A Distichlis for rehabilitation of highly saline areas for grain, turf and grazing Mr. John Leake (08) 8272 8088 NyPa Pty Ltd 11

UT-32A

OPTIONS SERIES: Alternative land tenure arrangements for encouraging enterprise diversification Prof. Robert Clark (03) 6226 2619 University of Tasmania 12

New technology systems - management

PROJECT No


USA-12A A cost effective spillway design/review procedure for Southeastern Australian farm dams - STAGE 2 Dr. John Pisaniello (08) 8302 0887

University of South Australia 13

WHP-5A Biodegradable Polymer Supply Chains implications and opportunities for Australian agriculture Mr. David Michael (02) 9369 2735

Wondu Holdings Pty Limited 15

Accreditation Systems PROJECT

No PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE

No

ACL-1A

Environmental partnerships: combining sustainability and commercial advantage in the commercial sector Prof. Neil Gunningham (02) 6249 3397

Gunningham & Associates Pty Ltd 17

DAN-187A

Adoption of environmental management systems (EMS) in agriculture - case studies, a compendium of BMPs and an on-going newsletter

Ms. Genevieve Carruthers (02) 6626 1237 NSW Dept of Agriculture 18

DAQ-276A Development of market orientated environmental certification for rangeland pastoral industries Dr. Lester Pahl (07) 4688 1302

Dept of Primary Industries (Qld) 21

CSL-15A Credible 'clean and green' - alternative EMS options Prof. Mike Young (02) 6242 1600 CSIRO Land and Water 22

EAR-1A Developing sustainable agriculture certification standards for marketing Australian produce Ms. Claudia Cowell (02) 8584 8888 Earthmark Pty Ltd 23

Commissioned Projects

PROJECT No


HAS-9A Hydroponics as an agricultural production system Mr. Michael Clarke (02) 9241 5655 Hassall & Associates 24

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4.2 RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

Sustainable production systems development PROJECT

No PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHE

R PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE

GAP-2A Linking incentives - integrated policy instruments to achieve sustainable agricultural systems

Prof. Neil Gunningham (02) 6249 3397

Gunningham & Associates Pty Ltd 26

MUA-1A Economics of conservation through commercial use of wildlife - FATE Prof. Michael Archer (02) 9320 6110 Australian Museum 27

SAR-30A Developing free range animal production systems Dr. Phil Glatz (08) 8303 7786 SARDI 28

New and emerging agri-industry systems PROJECT



No

DAQ-290A Integrated agri-aquaculture demonstration facility Dr. Adrian Collins (07) 3400 2024 Dept of Primary Industries (Qld) 29

SAR-40A National audit of peri-urban agriculture Mr. Peter Houston (08) 8204 1633 SARDI 30

SUS-1A Opportunities for tourism on agricultural land through mammal reintroductions Ms. Narelle King (07) 3875 7931

CRC for Sustainable Tourism Pty Ltd 31

SWT-1A Industrial seaweed agronomy in saline drainage water evaporation basins Mr. Robert Cordover (02) 6282 6181

Robert Cordover T/A Seaweed Trading 32

UA-59A Institutional change enabling kangaroo harvest to promote sustainable rangeland landscapes Dr. Jocelyn Davies (08) 8303 7889 The University of Adelaide 33

UWA-60A Perennial grain crops for high water use Dr. Ted Lefroy (08) 9333 6442 CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems 34

Impediments/ Risk management PROJECT



No CSE-89A Implementation of blue heliotrope biocontrol strategy Dr. David Briese (02) 6246 4045 CSIRO Entomology 35

CSL-14A The farmer's road toward clean and green horticulture Dr. Richard Stirzaker (02) 6246 5570 CSIRO Land and Water 36

UMU-27A Environmental management system for trout production in inland saline water Dr. Alan Lymbery (08) 9360 2729 Murdoch University 37

New technology systems – management PROJECT

No PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE

No

CSW-34A Economic and environmental benefits/risks of precision agriculture and mosaic farming Dr. Brian Keating (07) 3214 2373

CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems 38

CSW-35A Building regional Australia's capacity to initiate markets for ecosystem services Mr. Stuart Whitten (02) 6242 1683

CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems 39

UWA-73A Investigation into legumes with pharmaceutical and aquaculture potential

Dr. Shao Fang Wang (08) 9222 3040

University of Western Australia 40

Accreditation systems PROJECT



No

DAV-186A Integrating QA, EMS and ICM in the Yarra Valley - a case study Mr. Murray McIntyre (03) 9296 4604

Department of Primary Industries (Vic)

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4.2 Resilient Agricultural Systems

Completed Projects

Sustainable Production Systems Development Project Title:

Innovative paths for sustainable farm business expansion

RIRDC Project No:

ASH-1A

Researcher: Mr. Rod Ashby Organisation: RG Ashby Pty Ltd

PO Box 916 GEELONG VIC 3220

Phone: (03) 5224 2663 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• To enable primary producers to choose the most appropriate form of land tenure

and legal business ownership including the taxation implications, whilst taking into account the effect of these structural issues on long term sustainable land management. Two publications will be produced in a form which will assist primary producers to make decisions on these vital issues.

Background Economies of scale affect the profitability of the farm business – the larger the business

the better the income. Expansion can occur by leasing or sharefarming as well as purchasing. Leasing should ideally be set up in a sustainable manner. This book on leasing discusses these issues. Different forms of legal ownership are not only taxed differently but influence decisions made by the proprietors. They also affect the long term sustainability of the business. This book on legal ownership explores these issues and relationships.

Research The book on leasing was prepared after a study tour of the USA and UK and after discussions with a range of farm businesses that lease or plan to lease land. The book on business structures was prepared after an extensive review of the different forms of structures currently used by farmers.

Outcomes Two publications for use by primary producers and rural land owners.

Implications Farmers could expand by leasing land under a long term contract which is fair to landowner and tenant and manages the land in a sustainable way. Farmers should also consider the effect of their legal structure on long term sustainable management.

Publications Ashby, R.G. 2003, Successful land leasing in Australia. A guide for farmers and their advisers. June 2003, RIRDC pub #03/080. Choosing farm business structures for sustainable land management. Publication pending.

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Project Title:

Value added culinary herbs

RIRDC Project No: CSE-83A Researcher: Dr. Robert Sutherst Organisation: CSIRO Entomology

Long Pocket Laboratories 120 Meiers Rd, INDOOROOPILLY QLD 4068

Phone: 07 3365 1867 Fax: 07 3365 1855 Email: [email protected] Objectives

To facilitate a national, collaborative approach to the management of pests, by

building networks of experts, policy makers and managers, using the latest computer simulation and communications technology. This will provide industry with a sustainable, national approach to integrated pest management that will be able to respond rapidly to changing economic or environmental conditions.

Background Insect pests, plant and animal diseases and weeds (‘pests’) cost Australia several billion

dollars each year. Australia’s expertise on integrated pest management (IPM) is thinly spread across a huge area containing diverse environments. In many respects application of IPM expertise in Australia is lagging behind developments overseas. This is despite having world leading computer tools with which to develop and deliver advisory information. If industry is to remain internationally competitive in a rapidly changing commercial environment, it has to work smarter. That means accessing the best possible information when and where it is needed. With our modest sized population and industries, it is vital that the available expertise is used to the best advantage.

Research National networks (‘Interest Groups”) are being established to address key pest problems around the country. Each network pools its data and skills to build and test a computer simulation model that describes the ecology and management of their target pest. The models then provide a means for managers and policy makers to design optimal management strategies for that pest in a wide range of environments. In addition a network was established to adopt a generally applicable approach to the management of resistance of pests, and a training workshop was run to train field managers how to use simulation models to address their problems.

Outcomes Pest related networks were established to quantify the ecology and management of a number of insect pests (Queensland fruit fly; Diamond back moth, light brown apple moth), weeds (bitou bush, Parkinsonia, rubber vine, ) and a plant disease (wheat striped rust). These groups are progressing with model development and testing in different environments. Another group addressed the issue of how to manage the development of resistance to protective products. The Weed and Tropical Plant Protection CRCs have adopted the project’s approach.

Implications While Australia is just beginning to embrace the use of mathematical modelling as a design and predictive tool in IPM, progress is rapid overseas. In recognition of this state of affairs, researchers, policy makers and managers have demonstrated rare levels of collaboration during the project. It is critical that rural industries now support their research providers to equip them to work smarter to achieve the goals of economic, environmental and social sustainability.

Publications Sutherst, R.W. & Maywald, G.F. (1998). DYMEX modelling workshops: a national, collaborative approach to pest risk analysis and IPM in Australia. In Zalucki, M.P., Drew, R.A.I. & White, G.G. (Eds) Pest Management – Future Challenges. Proc. 6th Australasian Applied Entomological Research Conference. 2: 57-62. University of Queensland, Brisbane. Sutherst, Bob, Murdiyarso, Daniel & Widayati, Atiek (1999). Modelling global change impacts on pests. Biotrop-GCTE IC-SEA Report No. 7. Bogor, Indonesia. 108pp

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Project Title:

Increasing the opportunities for use of organic wastes in the Tasmanian vegetable industry

RIRDC Project No: HRD-2A Researcher: John McPhee Organisation: Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment Phone: 03 6421 7674 Fax: 03 6424 5142 Email: [email protected] Objectives

To investigate some of the barriers, perceived or otherwise, to the increased use of

recycled organic materials in the Tasmanian vegetable industry.

Background Loss of soil organic matter is a significant challenge facing the intensive vegetable industry. Organic wastes produced by urban and agri-industrial activities present major disposal and management problems to local government and environmental authorities. The challenges of soil organic matter decline and organic waste disposal provide an opportunity to improve the economics and environmental credentials of the production and processing sectors of the vegetable industry. The use of recycled organic materials in agriculture and horticulture is not widespread, with some of the reasons being lack of knowledge of benefits to growers, availability of suitable products, transport, handling and processing costs, and concerns regarding the impact of organic waste reuse in the context of QA schemes and food safety.

Research The project undertook four areas of activity. A survey was conducted to determine the quantities and types of organic residuals generated by agri-industry in Tasmania. The focus of this survey was on materials with potential for reuse in agriculture. A review of alternative reuse options was conducted to determine the potential for other higher value uses, apart from return to land recycling. An Excel based model was developed to assist in determining the relative economics of various scales of organic recycling operation, ranging from small on-farm facilities to large, centralised operations. A review of QA and HACCP issues surrounding the use of recycled organic materials in vegetable production was done.

Outcomes The project has identified some 250,000 t of organic residuals are produced each year in Tasmania, a lot of which has potential for reuse as soil conditioners and other inputs for agriculture, particularly vegetable production. Economic modelling shows that the costs of producing compost or similar products is quite variable, and heavily dependent on size of operation, overhead costs compared to throughput, and transport distance to end users. Quality issues are at the forefront of many people's concerns with regard to the use of recycled organic materials in vegetable production.

Implications The availability of the information in the database should assist the development, and ultimate availability, of processed organic materials in the vegetable industry. The economics of compost production is a significant barrier to overcome if compost, and similar products, is to be supplied to agricultural markets. For larger operations, tip fees are a critical component of economic viability. Society has a mixed value system in relation to the use of recycled organic materials for food production. On the one hand, issues of food safety tend to work against the use of such materials, with largely unfounded fears of food contamination. On the other hand, expectations of responsible environmental management are driving significant changes in the areas of waste management and agriculture. It is critical that the recycled organics meets the quality demands of end products to ensure the levels of food safety demanded by markets. There is a need to champion the message that properly monitored and managed composting operations produce products that are quite safe to use in food production. Mature compost is not "waste" – it is a potentially valuable input to agricultural production systems.

Publications Survey database at: http://www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/EGIL-53M7AH?open when arrangements are finalised. Economic model at: http://www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au when arrangements are finalised.

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Project Title:

Use of fire to control parthenium weed

RIRDC Project No:

QDN-7A

Researcher: Dr Wayne Vogler Organisation: Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines

Tropical Weeds Research Centre PO BOX 187 Charters Towers Qld 4820


To evaluate the effectiveness of fire as a management tool to control parthenium

weed. Fire, if found to be a successful method of control, will be the most cost-effective weed management option available in pastures and rangelands.

Background Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.; Asteraceae) is a major pest plant in

Queensland. It causes serious economic, health and environmental problems in rural areas of Queensland. Fire is an important part of the ecology of the Australian landscape and is commonly used in northern Australia for pasture and woody weed management. Currently, there are no data on the effects of fire on parthenium.

Research The effect of fire and smoke on the population of parthenium and native pasture species and their soil seed bank was investigated in the native grasslands of central Queensland.

Outcomes Fire does not significantly reduce the germinable soil seed bank of parthenium (at least on black cracking clay soils in central Queensland), nor does smoke from such fires stimulate parthenium seed germination. Fire did however result in one-off increases in parthenium densities, which after subsequent fires rapidly declined to almost nil at the end of the research. Fire did not adversely affect pasture species diversity. The study has also demonstrated that removal of grazing animals for extended periods (as with the control treatments) delivers similar reductions in the presence of parthenium to that of burning or mowing the pasture. This indicates that periodic removal of almost all vegetative material is not detrimental to pasture condition in terms of parthenium.

Implications Landholders should not refrain from using fire when necessary as a cost effective management tool for pasture species manipulation or woody weed control. Post fire pasture/grazing management so that so that desirable pasture species maintain/regain their competitiveness is critical if parthenium is to be effectively managed. In the future it may be beneficial to scientifically evaluate a range of grazing systems for their effectiveness in managing parthenium while maintaining productivity.

Publications Vogler, W. 2002, ‘The effect of fire on parthenium: Implications for management, 7th Queensland Weed Symposium, Emerald, Queensland, 24-27 June.

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Project Title:

Re-use potential of agri-industry wastes in the Melbourne/metropolitan region

RIRDC Project No:

RMI-10A

Researchers: Associate Professor Barry Meehan Dr Jay Maheswaran Organisation: RMIT University Phone: (03)99252119 Fax: (03)96391321 Email: [email protected] Objectives

To utilise wastes from agri-industries in the Melbourne/Metropolitan region by

identifying, characterising and developing them as resources.

Background Wastes from agricultural industries have great potential for re-use as sources of water, organic matter, nutrients, mulches or soil conditioning agents (Rechcigl and Herbert 1997). Currently, there is little compiled information on agri-industry wastes produced in Victoria. Furthermore, wastes from such industries are often by default deemed as prescribed wastes making land disposal an expensive option. Surveying and characterising these wastes is essential before any assessment can be made of their re-use potential. If the waste streams are non-toxic and free of contamination, they can be effectively re-used by careful selection and suitable pre-treatment. By combining different waste streams, high nutrient value composted materials with consistent physical and chemical characteristics could be produced and tailored to suit various crop and soil requirements.

Research A number of waste streams with high reuse potential were identified and information on their volume and composition was collated. On the basis of this survey, a number of waste streams were selected for further investigation. These involved both remediation of two wastes using composting and land application of a third waste as a mulch. Composting was found to be an effective method for the remediation of cut flower waste contaminated with a number of common pesticides. The resulting composted product was subsequently shown to be an effective mulch and bulking agent for potting mixes in ornamental flower production. In a further study, composting was investigated as a means of diverting large quantities of potato scrap and peelings from landfill disposal. Land application of partly decomposed hair waste from the tanning process was shown to have an immediate benefit to productivity and there was some evidence of improved soil physical characteristics.

Outcomes Waste streams selected for investigation on the basis of surveys conducted over a 12-month period included wool scouring & scour sludge, Tannery sludges & hair, Food waste and cut flower waste. Based on the analysis most of the wastes were found to have heavy metal contaminant levels below EPA recommended guidelines for landfill disposal. Tannery hair was found to contain a considerable amount of N, however the product may first require pre-treatment to remove traces of chromium before it could be converted into a nutrient source for land application. Tannery sludges were inappropriate for agricultural land application due to chromium contamination. Food production wastes such as potato skins were found to be free from contaminants and could be composted in combination with other green organic wastes. Cut flower waste was found to contain levels of common pesticide residues, however composting with domestic green-waste was found to reduce the concentrations of these compounds below detectable levels. Further composting trials are in progress blending potato skin wastes with green-wastes and to date the results show that this is an effective and inexpensive alternative to landfill disposal. The project outcomes have been presented at two key Waste Management Conferences in Australia and the project team will participate in a Composting and Organic Waste School in November 2000 with the Composting Team from Maine University in the United States.

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Implications This project has shown that large amounts of potentially reusable organic wastes are disposed of in landfills in the Melbourne – Metropolitan region. With appropriate remediation, many of these materials can be readily converted into useful products that can be used as either mulches or soil ameliorants. This has obvious environmental benefits as well as immediate benefits for the waste producer and production of inexpensive agricultural and horticultural products.

Publications Reports have been presented to a number of conferences and workshops, these include # Ken Peverill, Jay Maheswaran, Barry Meehan, Kim Phung (2000). Workshop on Remediation of Agri-Industry Solid Waste using Composting, Maine University August 2000, USA (Oral) # Ken Peverill, Jay Maheswaran, Barry Meehan, Kim Phung and Anne-Marie Dziedzic (2000). Conversion of Green-waste from Cut flower Production into A Value-added Soil Ameliorant, Proceedings of Towards Better Management of Wastes and Contaminated Sites in the Australasia-Pacific Region Conference, May 2000, Adelaide (Oral and Abstract) # Jay Maheswaran, Justine Cody, Barry Meehan, Fiona Baxter, Kim Phung and Anne-Marie Dziedzic (1999). Conversion Opportunities for Agri-Industry Wastes, Proceedings of Contaminated Wastes Industry Future Directions Conference, November 1999, Melbourne (Oral and Full paper)

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Project Title:

System theory for sustainable development and food security

RIRDC Project No:

UQ-90A

Researcher: Ken Rickert Organisation: School of Natural and Rural Systems Management

Gatton Campus University of Queensland

Phone: 07 5460 1047 Fax: 07 5460 1324 Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Objectives

To collate and describe key emerging theories and principles that underpin

farming systems in Australia as they move into the 21st Century.

Background Australia and The Netherlands are two countries with comparable populations and large amounts of agricultural exports. Whereas Australian farms tend to be extensive dryland systems, which degrade resources through exploitation, the Dutch farms are intensive with waste products leading to resource degradation. The contrasting experiences of both countries provide an opportunity to examine the theoretical base to agricultural systems and to identify common lessons for the future of farming in most developed countries.

Research Twelve Australian and nine Dutch authors reviewed and compared topics ranging from the history and expectations of farming systems, though an overview of systems thinking, to appropriate technologies and policies for the future.

Outcomes The reviews are arranged as 11 chapters with conclusions on some of the key biophysical and socio-economic issues facing farming beyond 2002. Australian and Dutch experiences expand the scope and relevance of the conclusions and provide pointers for achieving the triple bottom line- farming systems that are ecologically sustainable, profitable and socially acceptable. Key conclusions include the need to regard our economy within an ecological realm where a nation’s land and water resources are finite, and the farmer’s management environment is dynamic, ranging from local to global scales. Technological change brings winners and losers. The community needs to help devise national policies for agriculture and resource management. Farmers should be compensated for good land stewardship and the ecosystem services they provided. The future depends on ‘doing the right things’ rather than ‘doing things rightly’.

Implications This project has produced a book that collates lessons from Australian and Dutch agriculture and provides new insights into ‘systems thinking’ and technologies for the future of farming.

Publications RIRDC is to publish the material as book called: ‘Emerging challenges for farming systems – lessons from Australian and Dutch agriculture’.

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New and Emerging Agri-industry Systems Project Title:

Feasibility of Community Supported Agriculture (Subscription Farming) in Australia

RIRDC Project No: DAV-177A Researcher: Adrian Parker Organisation: Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Box 3100, Bendigo Delivery Centre,

Vic. 3554 Phone: 03 5430 4472 Fax: 03 5448 4982 Email: [email protected] Objectives To promote the concept and practical application of Community Supported Agriculture

(CSA) in Australia by • investigating the principles and practices underlying the concept of CSA as it has

developed in USA and Canada and document any case studies in CSA enterprises here in Australia.

• determining if the concept is feasible and, if so, how it can be applied in Australian conditions

• develop a practical Guide for landholders to develop CSA enterprises using the key success factors identified in the case studies.

Background Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is one of the fastest growing forms of agriculture in the USA today. It is a relatively new relationship marketing exercise that sees the sharing of production risks equally spread between the farmer and the consumer. In the good years every one profits and in the poorer years everyone makes do with what they get. Fundamental issues underlying the concept include food safety, food quality, sustainability and environmental conservation. Today there are well in excess of 1000 CSA enterprises in the states all with significant numbers of prepaid members. There are perhaps as many again that are slight variations of the CSA theme. However, in contrast to this Australia has very few CSA enterprises.

Research An extensive review of the literature revealed that some most work with CSA has been undertaken in the USA and Europe. A range of five case studies was identified and examined, these included 4 fully fledged CSA enterprises and a Community Garden. The Community garden served as a contrast to the concept and identified unique differences associated with CSA enterprises. The farm managers were visited and interviewed utilising a semi structured interview technique. Their comments combined with the literature was combined to develop an understanding of the feasibility of the concept within the Australian context.

Outcomes A number of extension aides have evolved including 2 Victorian Agnotes covering CSA and Farms’ Markets. In addition a manual containing practical information for establishing and running a CSA has been developed.

Implications Community Supported Agriculture has many advantages for both the farmer (individuals) and the wider community. Farmers, by having pre paid memberships, can feel comfortable about venturing into this type of enterprise. With this scenario in place it provides a viable land use option for smaller landholders that are located near a community. The community on the other hand is encouraged to visit the farm and contribute to the production of their vegetables. This activity serves as an ideal mechanism in bridging the gap between the farmer and the consumer.

Publications Farm Diversification Information Service (2001) Farmers’ Markets Agnote Department of Natural Resources and Environment: Victoria. Farm Diversification Information Service (2002) Community Supported Agriculture Agnote Department of Natural Resources and Environment: Victoria. Parker, A. (2002) Feasibility of Community Supported Agriculture in Australia. RIRDC: Canberra.

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Project Title:

Land valuation as a potential driver for environmental management systems

RIRDC Project No:

DAW 99A

Researcher: Catherine Nind Organisation: Department of Agriculture Western Australia

36 Railway Pde MIDLAND WA 6056


To identify current land valuation processes and regulations for rating and taxation

and prepare an overview of issues and opportunities; To canvass the issues with stakeholders and establish the usefulness of using land valuation as a “driver” for the adoption of Environmental Management Systems (EMS); To negotiate with valuing agencies with regard to appropriate methodologies; and To prepare recommendations for government, landowners and the real-estate industry regarding land valuation processes that could be linked with EMS.

Background The development of EMS in agriculture is at an early stage, but is gaining momentum in

Australia. In order for EMS to be taken up by landowners, there is a need for strong incentives. One possibility is to offer an incentive through land valuation. If the real estate industry, and other valuing agencies, could be encouraged to recognise the use of responsible environmental management then this would be an added incentive for landowners to be better “stewards.” Workshop participants at the 1999 National EMS conference in Ballina suggested an increase in land value as a possible incentive to encourage the adoption of EMS in Australian agriculture. This report investigates whether land valuation has the potential to drive the adoption of EMS in agriculture.

Research Methods used involved mainly desk top research, and discussions with members of the valuation, banking and real estate sectors. An email survey, workshop and informal discussions with stakeholders were undertaken to determine the potential for land valuation to drive the adoption of EMS. The report is a compilation and interpretation of the existing information and opinion.

Outcomes Valuers can only take into account attributes that are valued by the marketplace when determining the market value of land. Therefore, until EMS is recognised by the land market as having value, valuers cannot take this into account in valuation. EMS is a process and not a performance based system. This means that there is a need for performance standards to be developed if incentives linked to EMS are offered, as environmental performance is variable. A property that has an effective EMS in place ensures that land degradation does not get to a critical level. The market is likely to value the after effect of having an EMS such as maintaining the productivity of the land and the quality of natural resources. A property that does not have an EMS, but has sound environmental practices in place may achieve the same increase in land value, without the documentation. An increase in the market value of land can also lead to an increase in rates and taxes on that land, depending on the cent in the dollar rate set by local government. An incentive in the form of a rate rebate, a discount on rates or a grant is needed to encourage landowners to adopt an EMS. A star rating system is proposed to offer incentives linked to a tiered industry approach to EMS. Incentives offered through rating are likely to be more successful in shires that have a large and diverse rate base, and a large urban population. Valuer General Offices throughout Australia have indicated that incentives are better offered through local government rather than providing a discount on valuation for rating and taxation.

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Implications The evidence presented in this report indicates that land valuation is unlikely to be an important driver for the adoption of EMS in agriculture until it is recognised by the land market as having value. Rates are only a small cost to farmers in the production budget. The adoption of EMS in agriculture will be influenced more by other drivers such as maintained market access, improved productivity and reduced environmental risk for lending institutions. EMS needs to be perceived by consumers as having value before it is reflected in valuation.

Publications Nind C., 2002. Beyond Location, Looks and Lifestyle: The Potential to Link Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in Agriculture, Proceedings of the National EMS Conference, Ballina, 2001 (in press). Department of Agriculture, 2002. The Role of EMS in Land Valuation (in press). Nind C., 2001. Land Valuation as a Potential Driver for the adoption of EMS, Environmental Management Systems in Agriculture Current Issues: Future Directions Issue 6 May 2001.

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Project Title:

NyPa Distichlis Cultivars: Rehabilitation of Highly Saline Areas for Forage Turf and Grain

RIRDC Project No: NYP-1A Researcher: John Leake Organisation: NyPa Australia Pty Limited

14d Birdwood St Netherby SA 5062.


To study the potential for Distichlis species to be used for turf, fodder and grain in

highly saline areas of Australia.

Background NyPa Australia Pty Limited has the rights to 4 patented cultivars of Distichlis SPP a halophyte selected and patented by NyPa Inc a US corporation. The plants were imported into Australia in 1994 and, following observation trials, NyPa Australia, RIRDC, SARDI and DAWA agreed to collaborate to investigate the ecological range and use of the plants in Australia’s dry land salinity areas. The investigations were conducted between July 1998 and completed in September 2001

Research The research involved the following: _ establishing markers in those areas where Distichlis has been planted out to measure

spread over a period of two years, root depths and saline water table depth _ bulking up material for feeding to sheep to determine palatability and obvious health

implications _ undertaking glass house investigations of Distichlis strains under varying conditions

of salinity and waterlogging in soils representative of an area(s) of Southern Australia _ collating information and documentation of trials and observations and presented

these to RIRDC under agreed confidentiality mechanisms _ undertaking preliminary studies of milling characteristics of the grain in SARDI’s

facilities at the Waite Institute.

Outcomes The research has shown that each of the Distichlis cultivars have productive uses and are suitable for the range of regions with dry land salinity in southern Australia where saline ground water exists close to or at the surface although there are variations in establishment for reasons not yet understood. The plants grow strongly in the summer and autumn when little other green feed is available without irrigation and in areas of low hydraulic conductivity they may keep pace with rising ground water. The plants provide environmental services by; using saline ground water, improving, soil structure, drainage and rebuilding organically active carbon stores in land afflicted with dry land salinity. The NyPa ‘Wild Wheat’® cultivar produces a nil gluten flour suitable for a range of baked human food products. The NyPa Forage™ produces good quantities of palatable moderately nutritious green feed for ruminants. The NyPa Turf appears suitable as an amenity grass in hot dry areas with access to saline water or treated effluent water. The NyPa reclamation grass colonises degraded areas such as mine wastes and are being used in the USA to rehabilitate land degraded by oilfield saline water discharge.

Implications The CSIRO has noted that Australia’s dry land salinity regions need a perennial deep-rooted crop able to use saline ground water in saline water discharge zones. This range of plants offers this promise and is ready for commercialisation by pioneering farmers. The plants are likely to also be useful in the serial biological concentration of irrigation drainage water, providing a feedstock for land-based aquaculture. A commercialisation agreement has been signed with Elders Limited.

Publications Project progress reports and a two volume set of background papers available on application. Other reports are in preparation.

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Project Title

Land Tenure and Land Management Options

RIRDC Project No: UT-32A Researchers: Professor Rob Clark, Shane Broad and Amabel Fulton Organisation: Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research Phone: +61 3 62262619 Fax: +61 3 62262642 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.tiar.tas.edu.au Objectives

Evaluate alternative land tenure agreements and provide recommendations for their

implementation

Background A number of commentators on Australian agriculture have argued that the futureviability of agriculture lies in the separation of ownership of land from the use of land.This has the dual benefit of freeing up wealth from the fixed asset, and allowinginvestment (of humans and capital) in productivity. There has, however, been virtuallyno research on alternative land tenure arrangements in Australian agriculture, and thelikely benefits this could provide to enterprise diversification, industry developmentand ultimately, rural development. It is proposed that such research could inform thedebate on land tenure and produce strategies for accelerating change in Australianagriculture.

Research The project initially involved 15 semi-structured interviews with landholders andvarious key informants including consultants, accountants and banking representativesto scope the project. This research and a review of Australian and International literature was presented to asteering committee. Feedback from the steering committee led to the investigation of anumber of case studies that were examples of various forms of alternative land tenure. The case studies were categorised into five sections; leasing, sharefarming, jointventures; incorporation and innovative use of agreements. Simple methods of choosingan agreement category were discussed and each category highlighted a number of keymessages and a key messages. However, the preliminary interviews and case studies had no random selection processfor respondents and there was no quantitative data, only qualitative. Therefore todetermine if the reported landowner opinions of the benefits and concerns are morewidely held a quantitative survey was employed. A survey was then developed to determine the previous use of agreements; interest inentering agreements now, in five or ten years time; and landowner opinions of thebenefits and concerns of the use of alternative land tenure agreements that the casestudies and preliminary research raised.

Outcomes The research lead to a number of recommendations including; the production of aninformation package and booklet with standard agreements and guidelines; the use of acertification system; and the development of benchmark values for lease rentals. A chapter outlining land tenure options was prepared for the RIRDC Farmer OptionsSeries.

Implications Implementation of the recommendations would allow landowners to make moreinformed land tenure decisions.

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New Technology Systems - Management

Project Title A cost effective spillway design/review procedure for Southeastern Australian farm dams

RIRDC Project No.:

USA-12A and 10A

Researcher: Dr John Pisaniello and Prof Jennifer McKay Organisation: University of South Australia

Water Policy and Law Group School of International Business GPO Box 2471 ADELAIDE SA 5001

Phone: (08) 8302 0031 or (08) 8302 0887 Fax: (08) 8302 0512 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Internet: www.business.unisa.edu.au/waterpolicylaw Objectives

• To encourage private dam owners in Southeastern Australia to review and upgrade

their spillways to meet current acceptable standards so as to protect lives, public and private infrastructure and the environment by developing a cost-effective flood capability design/review procedure which is in line with ANCOLD guidelines and current best practice, thereby promoting consistency and uniform standards.

Background The project has expanded existing research on South Australia where simple and cost-

effective regionalised spillway design/review curves had already been developed as part of the Pisaniello (1997) PhD thesis, and similar preliminary curves had subsequently been developed in a few regions of Victoria from DNRE funded research. The research looks to help private dam owners meet their legal obligation to review and upgrade their dams as a result of recent updates to meteorological information and engineering design standards.

Research The project has been a pilot study involving two main components: (1) works in NSW to at least get a set of design/review curves off the ground and (2) works in VIC to help expand the already developed curves. The research has comprised collecting and collating “modern” small catchment flood data and using it in accordance with the Pisaniello (1997, PhD) modelling and development processes to help develop “current best-practice” flood capability prediction relationships for farm dams throughout NSW and Victoria. The regionalised process aims to represent the hydraulic response of any size of reservoir and spillway(s) relative to the hydrological flood response of the selected “catchment type”.

Outcomes The design/review relationships developed in the project have demonstrated remarkable accuracies (ie. R2 > 0.90). This has led to the establishment of a reliable and credible procedure that will strongly encourage better private dam design and safety management in both NSW and Victoria. The procedure is applicable to dams on small catchments up to 100 km2 in size in NSW and up to 20 km2 in size in Victoria: this will usually cater for most private dam cases in each State. Whilst at this stage the curves are not final due to a lack of representation of varying catchment sizes and locations throughout each State’s sub-regions, they are “useable” at least until the curves are finalised in an ARC funded discovery project due to be completed in 2005.

Implications Farm dams are a key component of most agricultural systems. Up until now, the cost of accessing professional advice about dam design and safety has resulted in it being out of the reach of many landholders. This research provides a more affordable process to assist those seeking professional advice in South Eastern Australia. It establishes a procedure which in essence involves the application of a series of complex

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calculations. By applying these calculations, the spillway and storage capacity of any farm dam can be readily reviewed or designed. In addition to the process being simple and affordable, importantly modern engineering best practice principles are being met! The technology will provide numerous benefits including: (1) cost savings to private owners in reviewing their dams and in meeting their legal “occupiers” duty to appropriately manage potential peril from their land, and (2) providing a deserved level of safety assurance to downstream communities and minimising loss of life as well as economic and environmental losses. The final product also has clear commercial potential given the thousands of existing farm dams in SEAust requiring review and the many more which are continually being built every year requiring adequate design.

Publications Pisaniello, J.D., McKay, J.M. and Perera, S. (2000), 'Cost-effective Spillway Design/Review for Small Dams in Victoria: Avoiding Dam Failure Emergencies', The Aust. Journal of Emergency Management, EMA, Vol 15, No 4, pp. 2-9.

Pisaniello, J. D. and McKay, J. M. (2002) ‘A Simple and Cost-effective Spillway Design/Review Tool for Farm Dam Owners’, Water, Aust Water Association, pp 110 –113.

Pisaniello, J.D. and McKay, J.M. (2003), ‘A Farmer-Friendly Dam Safety Evaluation Procedure as a Key Part of Modern Australian Water Laws’, Water International, Journal of IWRA, Vol 28, No 1, pp 88-100.

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Project Title

Biodegradable Polymer Supply Chains – Implications and Opportunities for Australian Agriculture

RIRDC Project No:

WHP-5A

Researcher: David Michael Organisation: Wondu Holdings Pty Ltd Phone: 02 9369 2735 Fax: 02 9369 2737 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• To identify, map and examine the supply chain for producing bioplastics from various

Australian crop plants. There would be a focus on biodegradable polymers because of their positive environmental impact, but note that biodegradability is achievable with either fossil based or biobased materials.

Background Over 99% of all plastics are produced or derived from the major non-renewable energy sources

– crude oil, natural gas, naptha and coal – which are used as both an energy for processing and feedstock material to produce large molecular weight polymeric materials for plastics. Agricultural materials can also be used as either an energy source or feedstock substitute or as a filler, composite or copolymer for plastics production. They can be made into either biodegradable or non-degradable plastics. Carbohydrates, proteins, natural polyesters and nucleic acids are the main biopolymers and are distinguished from synthetic polymers by the addition of oxygen and nitrogen in their molecular structures and which enable their natural biodegradability. This report describes the results of research into the potential for the agriculture sector to supply materials for the production of plastics.

Research World per capita consumption of plastics is projected to increase from the current level of 24.5 kg to 37 kg by 2010 led by the US, Western Europe and Japan, though South-east and East Asia and India are expected to emerge as growth regions to account for 40% of world consumption of plastics by 2010. Bioplastics only represent 1% or less of the total plastics market, but they have a lot to offer in terms of improved energy efficiency, GHG emission reduction and more efficient waste management. World consumption of total plastics is expected to increase from the current 180 million tonnes to 258 million tonnes in 2010. All major plastics resin categories, as well as specialty plastics, are expected to experience significant positive growth as further substitution takes place with traditional materials like steel, wood and glass. But Australian manufacturers are expected to be seriously challenged in meeting the growth opportunities for resins in both domestic and export markets. As a result the Australian trade deficit in plastics is expected to grow significantly to more than $4 billion/year by 2010. The study concludes that Australia is reasonably well placed to start up a bioplastics industry, which would have better prospects for growth than the existing synthetic plastics industry.

Outcomes • Improved understanding of the size and nature of the emerging market for biopolymers and the implications for Australian agriculture, the manufacturing sector and the economy generally, including the effect on environmental sustainability. The study estimates the possible market share for biopolymers in Australia could range from 10% to 30% of the PE resins used in packaging and agriculture. This would translate to 41,000-123,000 tonnes by 2010. On the world market PE resin consumption is currently about 52 million tonnes and expected to grow to 83 million tonnes by 2010, with about 50% of these sales destined for agriculture and packaging. • Increased knowledge of the economics of biopolymer production and materials for it and key sensitivities in generating viability including economies of scale and biodegradability. If the existing manufacturing facilities that are emerging for biopolymers are a guide to the future then it appears that economies of scale in production of biodegradable polymers are not as strong as they are for synthetics. A new US plant for production of PLA has capacity of 140,000 tonnes/year (50% or less than the efficient size of ethylene plants) and if the plant is fully utilized then unit costs are expected to approach those of competing oil-based resins.

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• Identification of areas for further research. The study makes 30 recommendations for development of a bioplastics industry in Australia. These recommendations cover production, through marketing, R&D and institutional development

Implications A bioplastics industry has potential to have impact at the farm enterprise level by increasing competition for agricultural materials at the farm gate. This could be achieved in one or more ways: • Increased primary demand for agricultural materials to be used in bioplastics production. [New market effect] • Demand for on-farm waste such as residues from harvested grain crops. [New product & new market] • Reduced food and other industrial crop (e.g. paper pulp) processing costs, arising from more efficient use of food processing waste. [Processing cost reduction effect] • Improved farm productivity from dedicated high performance crop plants grown for plastics production [On-farm cost effect]. • Regional impact from the investment in bioplastic processing facilities in regional areas where costs would be lower.

Publications Biodegradable Polymer Supply Chains – Implications and Opportunities for Australian Agriculture

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Accreditation Systems Project Title:

Environmental partnerships: combining sustainability and commercial advantage in the commercial sector

RIRDC Project No: ACL-1A Researcher: Professor Neil Gunningham Organisation: Gunningham and Associates Pty Ltd Phone: 02 6125 3397 Fax: 02 6125 4899 Email: [email protected] Objectives

To provide a policy strategy which will improve the environmental sustainability of the Australian agricultural sector and its profitability and market share through the development of "environmental partnerships" between producers, retailers, governments, environmental organisations and other interested parties. Key elements will include: • identifying the circumstances in which such partnerships might be formed and the

preconditions for their success; • identifying the opportunities and benefits of such a strategy in terms of commercial

advantage, market opportunities and more efficient production; and • communicating and promoting the strategy amongst key agricultural sectors and

other stakeholders.

Background Traditionally, relationships between farmers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were largely adversarial, and little attention was given to the prospect of constructive engagement between them. More recently, however, there has been the development of more constructive relationships between major stakeholders, and in particular between government, farmers and environmental NGOs. Sometimes these relationships involve agreements between farmers and NGOs, or between governments and farmers, or even between farmers and business along the supply chain. The result is that, in the early years of the 21st century there are many examples of environmental partnership approaches across a wide variety of countries and continents.

Research This Report explores the use of environmental partnerships as a means of improving environmental and commercial outcomes in the agriculture sector. It examines progress, both within Australia and internationally, of an exciting new policy development that aims to do just that: environmental partnerships. In order to better understand the potential attractions and shortcomings of such an approach, this Report employs a number of agricultural case studies.

Outcomes The report several factors conducive to the development of successful partnerships: a coincidence between public and private profit; the prospect of mutual gain for both/all partners; a focus on local issues with readily monitored results; exposure to green markets/companies which trade off their public image; disparities in power along the supply chain; the burning deck: getting partnerships off the ground; and leveraging commercial third parties. It also suggests that they must also be structured in ways which maximise their chance of success, including: adequate incentives for participation; clear environmental targets; adequate accountability and transparency; and encouragement of continual improvement, flexibility and innovation.

Implications The report argues that in some contexts, environmental partnerships can provide equitable and effective solutions to some environmental problems and that they offer an attractive, and as yet under-utilised, policy option. Suitably harnessed and designed, they could make a valuable contribution to resolving the broader environmental challenge facing Australian agriculture.

Publications Gunningham N and Sinclair D “Environmental Partnerships, EMS and Sustainable Agriculture”, Environmental Management Systems in Agriculture: Proceedings of a National Workshop, RIRDC, May, 1999.

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Project Title:

Adoption of environmental management systems (EMS) in agriculture - case studies, a compendium of BMPs and an on-going newsletter

RIRDC Project No: DAN-187A Researcher: Ms. Genevieve Carruthers Organisation: NSW Department of Agriculture

Wollongbar Agricultural Institute Bruxner Highway WOLLONGBAR NSW 2477

Phone: (02) 6626 1237 Fax: (02) 6628 3264 Email: [email protected] Objectives

There are three main outcomes: • Case studies of adoption of systematic environmental management approaches in

agriculture • A compendium of agri-industry best management practices, codes of practices,

production protocols and similar addressing sustainable management of farm resources

• A quarterly newsletter/web-site that provides information on the use of EMS in Australian and overseas agriculture

Background RIRDC funded the first Australian workshop to examine the use of EMS in Agriculture

(May 1999). During the workshop, delegates clearly identified the need for increased information about the use of EMS in agriculture, including market access advantages, costs and benefits of adoption and general information on EMS approaches. The need for such knowledge was evident across a range of agricultural industries and thus this proposal is relevant to a wide sector of Australia agri-industries. In addition, another area where a lack of knowledge was hampering adoption of improved environmental management methods was awareness of best management practices, environmental codes of practice and similar. Whilst this information is available within some industries, there is no readily accessible source of such information, particularly to those farmers who may not currently be involved in those specific enterprises. Thus, although some growers would like to make changes to their management practices, they are unsure of the options that exist for adoption, and sometimes therefore do not make any changes. This project seeks to address these areas of deficit in knowledge. Currently in Australia, the rate of adoption of EMS and similar approaches is low, compared to many of our trade competitors. Whilst significant gains have been made through programs such as Landcare, significant resource degradation is still evident, and many farmers have yet to undertake proactive farm management programs. To some extent, the lack of adoption of EMS is due to low levels of knowledge in the community of the existence of such management programs and their potential benefits.

Research 40 case studies were conducted, double the contracted number, with participants from a range of industries all over Australia and New Zealand represented. Case study questions were developed in consultation with key stakeholders to ensure relevant information was gathered. Farmer associations and systems advocates were asked to nominate farmers for inclusion in the study, with participants to be achieving a recognised level of environmental performance above that of the general farming population. Farmers were placed either into an Environmental Management Program (EMP) or Environmental Management Systems (EMS) category. After initial discussions using protocol questions, participating farmers were personally interviewed. Responses were collated into both grouped data sets for analysis and developed into case study stories, which were approved by the participants. Case study questions covered motivations for involvement in environmental works, drivers, benefits, costs, methods used to make changes and sources of information for changes. A comprehensive data based of all responses has been compiled, and general trends established for the two groups.

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The compendium of BMPs was developed through contact with all agricultural R and D corporations, farmer associations, agri-industry bodies, State and Federal regulatory agencies, agricultural departments, conservation and planning agencies and research organisations. Reviews of R and D corporation research reports, ARRIP databases and similar information were also be used to gather information. Use of BMPs was also identified as part of the case study development.

Outcomes Case studies - Many similarities existed between the two groups in the areas of environmental issues addressed, methods of gaining information and management approach development. Personal desire to change management was the strongest motivation for change, overall. Other drivers were similar and included community, market and efficiency drivers, however, the EMS group rated community pressure, regulatory agencies, and legal requirements more strongly than the EMP group. There was a marked difference in the numbers of particular environmental management issues addressed by farmers in the two groups, and also in the range of issues covered. Farmers with an EMS addressed on average 33 environmental issues in their routine management, while EMP farmers covered on average 5 issues. The EMS group also included a greater range of ‘management’ issues such as communication and training, and more ‘brown’ environmental issues such as waste and pollution management/control, legal compliance and similar issues. EMS farmers were also more likely to have conducted a risk assessment process to determine which environmental issues to include in their overall management approach. The EMS group were also more likely to include a range of management approaches (such as QA, OH and S and similar) and to have these systems audited externally. This resulted in the EMS group having a somewhat higher expenditure for external consultants and auditors than the EMP group. A key feature of using a systems approach was the ability to integrate a range of management areas into one overall system. Farmers reported frustration that many of the existing QA approaches did not allow such integrated, nor could audits be integrated. Streamlined auditing and paperwork was a reported advantage of using the ISO processes. Benefits reported were similar between both groups, with increased confidence in management frequently being reported as a non-measurable benefit. Many of the benefits were yet to be fully seen, as in many cases farmers had less than 12 months experience with the changes they had implemented, and benefits were yet to be assessed completely. Farmers who were using an EMS process also reported frustration at not being able source EMS information easily. Apart from NSW Agriculture, at the time of the study, no other State agricultural agencies provided dedicated EMS support. The availability of such data from an independent provider was seen to be very important by the farmers, preferable through an “EMS one-stop shop.” BMP compendium - The compilation of BMP information showed that in many cases the materials were more closely linked to production than to environmental management per se. Overall, a total of 297 documents that could be used to guide environmental management were identified. However, a number of state agencies provided very little input despite repeated requests for data, and so this number is likely to be an under-estimate of the material that could be available. The study did show how difficult sourcing such material could be, and this is likely to hamper farmer uptake. The EMS newsletter - finished with the second EMS conference in 2001, ending with a print run of 700 for the 7th and final edition. Approximately 350 people in Australia received copies, around 30 were routinely dispatched to overseas readers and the remainder were made available through agencies and EMS events. Delegates at the 2001 EMS conference agreed that the newsletter was a valuable resource, and should continue. However, an editor was not agreed upon at the time. To some degree the EMS navigator coordinated through AFFA was seen as a replacement for the newsletter.

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Implications The case studies showed a clear need for both provision of information and support for farmers who wish to develop and implement an EMS. At present, such services are largely provided through a range of consultants, with State agencies in general providing little such assistance. This means that farmers attempting to develop an EMS incur costs that farmers making other changes (such as production techniques) do not bear. Use of an EMS process meant that farmers generally addressed a wider range of environmental and other management issues than peers who did not apply a risk assessment basis to their management did. EMS farmers were also more likely to be aware of their legal requirements, and to have addressed, or at least identified these issues in their routine management, thereby lowering their overall business risk. Auditing processes and recognition for the environmental work done on farms is another area that requires further consideration. Generally, there is low community awareness of the range of management skills needed in farming, the implications for farmers of increasing environmental stewardship and means by which these skills can be encouraged or supported in the community and marketplace. Government agencies and community groups can do a great deal to provide information and support to farmers who wish to change their routine farm management. There is an expressed need for educational support, incentives, and other means of assisting with systems development. Farmers in general are able to access information on production and technical environmental issues, but at present there is very little information or support for systems development. In addition, there is much that can be done in the approaches taken to provision of community/catchment information with respect to expected environmental management outcomes. Many farmers in the study expressed frustration at not being able to access information on farm-relevant management practices that would assist in meeting overall catchment goals.

Publications EMS newsletter editions 1-7 are available on the NSW Agriculture website http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/. The case studies and related analyses are currently being developed for publication by RIRDC, which is expected in late 2003. The compilation of BMP information is attached as an Appendix to the case study materials.

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Project Title:

Development of market-oriented environmental certification for rangeland pastoral industries (EcoRange)

RIRDC Project No.

DAQ-276A

Researcher: Lester Pahl Organisation: Dept. of Primary Industries, Queensland, PO Box 102, Toowoomba, Qld. 4350 Phone: 07 46881302 Fax: 07 46881199 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• Determine market potential, formulate marketing strategies for ‘environment-

friendly’ food and fibre products; identify stakeholder requirements and a suitable existing certification scheme/s.

Background EcoRange arose out of an interest in harnessing the power of markets to encourage

producers to achieve ecologically sustainable production.

Research Literature review, interviews, focus groups and quantitative surveys were used to ascertain market interest and requirements for ‘environment-friendly’ products, and stakeholder expectations for environmental assurance.

Outcomes There is general support for the concept of environmental assurance from consumers, producers and other key stakeholders, although some tensions exist in preferred principles and practices. Niche markets for ‘environment-friendly’ food and fibre exist in Europe, the UK, US and Australia, and standards are available for specifying and verifying the environmental requirements of these markets. Environmental labelling standards are well suited for this purpose.

Implications Supply of ‘environment-friendly’ food and fibre to niche markets provides some opportunities for Australian producers, and opens channels of communication with consumers and the community about production practices. Increases in consumer demand and/or supply-chain adoption of environmental assurance would help meet the requirements of the wider community for agriculture.

Publications Visit the RIRDC web site for: 1. King, C. (2003). Qualities of an ‘ideal’ environmental certification system for Australia: perceptions from industry, conservation and consumer groups. 2. Longworth, J. and James, C. (2003). Australian environmental group member survey: perspectives on environmental assurance for pastoral production. 3. MacNamara, K. and Pahl, L. (2003). Australian consumer survey: awareness, requirements and demand for environment-friendly meat. 4. Pahl, L. (2003a). Australian rangeland grazier survey: awareness, requirements and interest in environmental accreditation. 5. Pahl, L. (2003b). Market-oriented environmental assurance for food and fibre production: a review of on-farm standards. 6. Pahl, L. (2003c). EcoRange: market-oriented environmental certification for rangeland pastoral industries. Final project report. 7. Twyford-Jones, P., Miles, K., Newell, G., MacNamara, K. and Pahl, L. (2003). Environmental assurance in food and fibre markets: an analysis of market requirements and marketing strategies for meat and wool supply chains.

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Project Title:

Credible ‘Clean and Green’ – Alternative EMS Options

RIRDC Project No:

CSL-15A

Researcher: Professor Michael Young and Dr Thea Mech Organisation: Policy and Economic Research Unit, CSIRO Land and Water Phone: 08 8303 8665 Fax: 08 8303 8582 Email: [email protected] and [email protected] Objectives

• To explain the differences and complementarities between Environmental

Management Systems (EMSs) and other Voluntary Environmental Management Arrangements (VEMAs) for agriculture and allied rural industries.

• To shed light on design and development issues relating to VEMAs, including EMSs, for agriculture and allied rural industries and, in so doing, to inform Australian policy development in this area.

Background VEMAs, including EMSs, represent a rapidly evolving area that holds much promise for

improving natural resource management (NRM) in the farm sector and associated downstream industries. Growing interest in VEMAs is demonstrated by the fact that on-the-ground activities, research inquiry and policy development in this area are gathering momentum in Australia and elsewhere. However, there is considerable confusion surrounding the various available voluntary approaches to natural resource management in agriculture, which this research seeks to clarify.

Research The research in Phase One has reviewed domestic and international developments relating to diverse VEMAs. This research has involved a literature review, desk research and informal interviews.

Outcomes Phase One of this project has resulted in publication of a RIRDC report entitled VEMAs: Voluntary Environmental Management Arrangements. Designing Voluntary Environmental Management Arrangements to Improve Natural Resource Management in Agriculture and Allied Rural Industries. This report: describes the key design features of VEMAs; provides specific examples of different VEMAs, including EMSs; discusses the factors affecting the design of VEMAs for agriculture and allied rural industries; highlights some global issues relating to VEMA design and development; and identifies some choices and opportunities relating to VEMA design and development. Some guidelines for good VEMA design are proposed, and opportunities for governments to play important roles in creating an enabling environment for industry and business to embrace VEMAs are identified.

Implications The research seeks to: clarify the confusions in the current debate on voluntary approaches to natural resource management in agriculture; complement on-going policy development in this area; and importantly, to inform and support the practical design and development of VEMAs for Australian agriculture and rural industries.

Publications Mech, Thea and Michael Young (2001). VEMAs: Voluntary Environmental Management Arrangements. Designing Voluntary Environmental Management Arrangements to Improve Natural Resource Management in Agriculture and Allied Rural Industries. RIRDC Publication No. 01/139, October 2001. Mech, Thea and Michael Young (2001). EMS and other voluntary approaches to environmental management. Is there a difference? Proceedings from the National Conference on Environmental Management Systems in Agriculture, Ballina, November, 2001 (forthcoming). Carruthers, Genevieve, Thea Mech, Philippa Rowland and David Baker (2001). Environmental Management Systems, Best Management Practices and Codes of Practice: What’s the Difference? Poster presented at the National Conference on Environmental Management Systems in Agriculture, Ballina, November, 2001.

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Project Title:

Developing sustainable agriculture certification standards for marketing Australian produce

RIRDC Project No:

EAR-1A

Researcher: Philip Toyne (Ecofutures), Claudia Cowell (ERM), Thea Mech (CSIRO Land and Water)

Organisation: Ecofutures Cork Street Gundaroo NSW 2640

Phone: 02 6236 8437 Fax: 02 62368438 Email: [email protected] Objectives

To assess the potential for environmental labelling of agrifood products to drive

sustainable agriculture in Australia by tapping into additional or premium markets.

Background Environmental labelling and branding are potential means to catalyse positive

environmental change in agrifood production and processing by tapping into consumer concerns and responding to market signals.

Research The report investigates environmental labelling and branding schemes in agriculture as a way of linking environmental improvement with marketplace benefits. Research consisted of a review of relevant literature and investigation of existing environmental labelling schemes for agrifood products.

Outcomes The project reported on the following issues: • The size and nature of the market for sustainable products; • Typical environmental labelling schemes, their design and their operation; • Case studies of individual environmental labelling schemes from Australia and

overseas

Implications Environmental product labelling differs from environmental assurance schemes such as Environmental Management Systems, in that it sets technical production-oriented standards and/or environmental performance standards for agricultural practice and indicates sustainability performance directly to the market. The implications of this for industry and government are to encourage and work towards the design and development of environmental standards for agrifood production that have market currency. Further investigation into market benefit needs to be undertaken to ensure labelling schemes would generate benefits to farmers as existing market information is insufficient to allow informed decision making. Provided market benefits are sufficient, environmental labelling can have a place in driving agricultural sustainability. In order to be successful, environmental labelling requires credible supporting infrastructure and, in particular, strong consumer-oriented marketing. The infrastructure for agrifoods environmental labelling in Australia is currently underdeveloped.

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Commissioned Projects Project Title:

Hydroponics – As an Agricultural Production System

RIRDC Project No: HAS-9A Researcher: Hassall & Associates Pty Ltd

Organisation: GPO Box 4625 Sydney NSW 1044


To increase the understanding of hydroponics as an alternative to conventional soil

based agricultural production systems.

Background Hydroponics is the production of crops in isolation from the soil, either with or without a medium, with their total water and nutrient requirements supplied by the system. Hydroponics has emerged as a commercial alternative to soil based production.

Research The major areas researched for this report included: characteristics and trends in the global and Australian hydroponics industries; requirements for a commercial production system; the economics of commercial production; constraints on further expansion of hydroponics as an agricultural production system; and conclusions on the future of hydroponics as a large-scale production system.

Outcomes • The world commercial hydroponics industry has grown 4-5 fold in the last 10 years and currently estimated at 20,000-25,000 hectares with a farm gate value of $US 6-8 billion.

• Major crops grown worldwide include tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicums, lettuce and cut flowers. These are also the most important crops produced hydroponically in Australia.

• Industry success in the short to medium term is likely to come from a market focus rather than a break through in technology. Integration of production and marketing will ‘shut out’ producers who are not sufficiently large scale or part of a cluster arrangement.

• Australian hydroponics production increased to 500 hectares in 1996 and has possibly doubled in size again since that time. The estimated value of the industry is currently $400 million at the farm gate.

• Reluctance of growers and retailers to market product under a hydroponic label is one reason why the industry is perceived as being smaller than it actually is.

• Compared with worldwide production, Australia has an especially large hydroponic lettuce industry, reportedly the largest in the world.

Commercial success is linked to: • Establishment of the venture in a realistic economic framework; • Attention to market requirements before production commences; • Realistic expectation of price, yield and labour requirements; and • Experience in horticultural production prior to entry into hydroponics.

Implications Although the Australian industry is successful as a commercial producer, points that need to be addressed to build on that success include: • Grower cooperation to ensure production volumes, adequate grading and market

interest in industry output; • A retreat from the amateurism that characterises a new or emerging industry; • Promotion to shift public opinion away from an image of high chemical input or

unnatural systems; • Industry education and training at a grass roots level;

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• Industry data and standards including potentially formal Quality Assurance procedures or a suitable HACCP assessment; and

• Full time professional industry leadership to drive the industry from a strategic position including formulation and resourcing of an industry strategic plan.

Publications Hassall & Associates Pty Ltd (2001) Hydroponics – As an Agricultural Production System. RIRDC Report HAS-9A.

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4.2 Resilient Agricultural Systems

Research-in-Progress

Sustainable Production Systems Development Project Title

Linking incentives - integrated policy instruments to achieve sustainable agricultural systems

RIRDC Project No:

GAP-2A

Start Date: 9-Jan-02 Finish Date: 28-Feb-04 Researcher: Prof. Neil Gunningham Organisation: Gunningham and Associates Pty Ltd

6 Marrakai St HAWKER ACT 2614


• To provide a policy strategy that will improve environmental sustainability,

facilitate the uptake of effective risk management tools and their integration into holistic farm management, and integrate with the development of internationally acceptable accreditation/quality assurance systems. It will do so by: (i) identifying the circumstances in which combinations of different policy instruments can be more efficient and effective than single instruments; (ii) demonstrating how such combinations can enhance risk management, continuous improvement and cultural change, and better protect agri-industry from international pressure for environmentally sustainable/ healthy produce; and (iii) focussing on the means by which EMS and other voluntary codes can be integrated with market requirements, regulation and other policy instruments.

Current Progress

This project is proceeding as planned. Following an extensive literature review and development of a conceptual framework, international interviews were conducted and the fieldwork for the major Australian case study (the cotton industry). A discussion paper is in draft form and will be further revised for delivery at a forum on the project anticipated to take place at the National Conference on Environmental Management Systems in Agriculture. The argument of this paper is that the ‘taken for granted’ view of the merits of voluntary arrangements must be challenged and give way to reasoned debate about the substantial range of circumstances where they can only make a valuable contribution when combined with a range of other policy instruments, including positive and negative incentives, intervention by third parties and in some cases, an underpinning of regulation. Arguably, what is needed is a strategy that builds on the strengths of voluntary environmental management arrangements while compensating for their weaknesses by combining them with other, complementary policy instruments. If so, we must engage with a range of questions that have not so far figured substantially in the policy debate.

27

Project Title

Economics of conservation through commercial use of wildlife - FATE

RIRDC Project No:

MUA-1A

Start Date: 30-Jun-02 Finish Date: 30-Apr-07 Researcher: Prof. Michael Archer Organisation: Australian Museum

College Street SYDNEY NSW 2000


• The project will be conducted in two stages. An initial literature review and

model development will enable a decision to be made on whether to progress to the monitoring of field trials and economic analyses of the commercial use of Australian native wildlife within the FATE Program over a five-year period.

• The second stage if supported, will assess the prospective and actual economic effects of the integration of native wildlife enterprises into the operation of groups of existing grazing properties, mainly in the marginal rangelands of New South Wales. It will monitor the economic dimensions of three to five Wildlife Management Conservancies (trial sites each of several properties) incorporating wildlife tourism enterprises, the sale of bush plants and animals for conservation works, bush tucker production, in particular kangaroo products, and the production of ecosystem services. A series of reports will be produced, to assist participants in the planning and establishment of new enterprises, to assess the actual economic effects of these activities over the period, and to compare the profitability of conventional grazing systems in the case study regions with the profitability of the modified or mixed systems of land use.

Current Progress

A literature review has been completed and is being updated. The idea of using native plant and animal species for private commercial gain is neither new nor unusual. The report of a recent inquiry by the Victorian Parliament contains an excellent review of the range of commercial uses to which native species have been and are being put. A farm-level economic model that allows ‘baseline’ and ‘prospective’ situations, capable of incorporating enterprises based on native plants or animals, has been obtained. It is capable of representing a wide range of production systems, multi-year operations, and the economic characteristics of the proposed Wildlife Management Conservancies. Work is now focussing on (i) the collection of information on farm level costs, returns and production methods for enterprises based on native species, including a kangaroo enterprise; and (ii) the preparation of a discussion paper on the ways in which the returns to farmers from the production of native species depend on the structure of the value (marketing) chain.

28

Project Title

Developing Free Range Animal Production Systems

RIRDC Project No:

SAR-30A

Start Date: 15/08/00 Finish Date: 31/08/03 Researcher: Dr Phil Glatz and Dr Yingjun Ru Organisation: South Australian Research and Development Institute

PIRSA/SARDI Research Funds Coordinator LSA Building, PPPI Roseworthy Campus ROSEWORTHY SA 5371

Phone: 08 83037786 Fax: 08 83037689 Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Objectives

• Establish a crop-pasture-free range pig and poultry production system, • Monitor soil fertility, weed population, disease control and crop yield under

this system; and • Evaluate the feasibility of adoption of innovative crop/pasture/animal

rotation systems.

Current Progress

Pigs and chickens may one day graze the stubble of some harvested cereal paddocks as part of the growing organic food industry. Positive results were obtained in the project, which aimed to develop a sustainable free-range pig and poultry production systems making optimal use of cropping land between growing seasons. A separate free-range pig and poultry production system was established with the animals integrated into the pasture/cropping rotation. Sheep were used to provide the comparison with traditional agriculture. The project showed that pigs and chickens performed well in exploiting harvested paddocks. Sheep were very effective in grazing some weeds, while poultry preferred weed seeds. Pigs also were effective in grazing weeds. This raises the possibility that sheep and poultry could be grazed together in some circumstances to control weeds, as could sheep and pigs. Pigs and poultry were able to obtain a considerable portion of their feed from the paddocks. The system could have significant scope within the organic food industry.

29

New and Emerging Agri-industry Systems Project Title

Integrated agri-aquaculture demonstration facility

RIRDC Project No:

DAQ-290A

Start Date: 7-Jan-01 Finish Date: 30-Nov-04 Researcher: Dr. Adrian Collins Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre PO Box 2066 WORRIM QLD 4507


• To stimulate interest and uptake of sustainable and synergistic farming

systems, in particular, the intergration of aquaculture with irrigated agriculture. A practical demonstration site will be established on a commercial cotton and grain farm on the Darling Downs, Queensland, as a focus for the demonstration of environmental, social and economic benefits of complementary farm diversification.

Current Progress

The integrated aquaculture demonstration site was established at Loch Eaton, Dalby, in 2001. During the 2002/2003 season this site was extensively refitted by the operator McVeigh Brothers Inc. Commercial development of the system has led to significant improvements in performance and capability. To date, activity has focused on the production of silver perch, with golden perch and Murray cod growth being investigated on a smaller scale. Future commercial activity will focus on Murray cod production. Cod have potential to provide better farm returns and are suited to a wider range of climatic conditions. Monitoring of water quality, pesticide movement and water use has been ongoing. This monitoring demonstrates that integrated aquaculture can be successfully implemented in cotton and grain farming regions. Chemical uptake experiments demonstrate that pesticides used in cotton and grains production are rapidly cleared from fish and pose no risk to the animal or consumer. Interest in integrated aquaculture is strong with numerous farm tours, field days, industry groups and individuals continuing to visit the demonstration site. The first Shed Meeting, held in late 2002, was attended by up to 50 local growers, interstate farmers and DPI researchers and extension staff. Further meetings are planned for mid/late 2003. At the 2003 Cotton Week, the projects activities were presented to 500 school children, their teachers, community representatives and members of the public. The integrated aquaculture decision tool software will assist those interested in integration to scope its viability in their situation. This package is currently being tested prior to release in late 2003.

30

Project Title

National audit of peri-urban agriculture

RIRDC Project No:

SAR-40A

Start Date: 10-Jan-02 Finish Date: 31-Mar-04 Researcher: Mr. Peter Houston Organisation: South Australian Research and Development Institute

PIRSA Sustainable Resources Group GPO Box 1671 ADELAIDE SA 5001

Phone: (08) 8204 1633 Fax: 08 8303 9555 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• Increase awareness amongst policy makers, industry and the community of

the economic significance, key characteristics and features of peri-urban agriculture in Australia. This will be a resource for state and local government policy makers regarding current statutory (land use) and strategic planning arrangements related to peri-urban agriculture in Australia. It will provide a point of reference and stimulus for future initiatives and strategies related to peri-urban agriculture, whether by RIRDC, which currently supports many of the industries located in peri-urban regions, or by other agencies or industry.

Current Progress

Work is progressing on draft summaries describing agriculture in each State’s peri-urban regions. Using a range of maps and graphs, major and selected minor industries are being summarised in terms of value of production, production area, production volume, number of establishments, and employment. This part of the Audit project uses data from the ABS Agricultural Census collections for 1992-93 to 1996-97 to generate average annual values and show trends at the Statistical Local Area (SLA) level. The latest available data from the 2000-01 Agricultural Census is also provided. Additional information from non-ABS sources, including field-work, research and reports by departments of agriculture, university researchers and local government in each State is included where available and appropriate. Other work undertaken, and still being refined, includes provisional mapping of peri-urban regions in each State. All of this material will be available for limited release on CD-ROM in July 2003 to permit review of the draft summaries by project partners in each State and the project’s Reference Panel. Following the review, summaries and nominated peri-urban regions may be amended.

31

Project Title

Opportunities for tourism on agricultural land through mammal reintroductions

RIRDC Project No:

SUS-1A

Start Date: 6-Jan-02 Finish Date: 11-Dec-04 Researcher: Ms. Narelle King Organisation: CRC for Sustainable Tourism Pty Ltd

1 Tania Drive Highton Vic 3216

Phone: 041 988 3519 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• The project will enhance the ability of landowners to benefit economically

from tourism based on reintroduced mammals. The project will deliver a manual for landowners describing how to carry out reintroductions and manage them for tourism. The project report will outline administrative barriers to success, highlighting existing constraints relating to government regulations.

• The manual and project report will be published by RIRDC further to acceptance by the Corporation.

Current Progress

Pilot tours have been conducted at Western Plains Zoo Flora and Fauna Reserve to investigate the best ways to satisfy tourists and earn financial returns. Tour guests were drawn from hotels and caravan parks in Dubbo, as well as interested locals. The guests were surveyed to determine their satisfaction with the tours and their willingness-to-pay for the tours. Data was collected on the number of animals seen and the ability of guests to get close to them, and on the optimal times and locations for viewing, to determine the best types of tours for viewing wildlife. The responses of animals to tourists and ways to minimise negative impacts of the tours have also been investigated. The animals’ behaviour and flight distances were observed. The first draft of a journal publication on this research has been completed, and is being edited. A review of Australian sites currently attempting to integrate reintroductions and tourism has commenced, with a number of sites being identified and key people within them contacted. Some sites in Western Australia have been visited. A review of the policy and legal environment surrounding reintroductions incorporating tourism has also commenced through legal texts and internet research.

32

Project Title

Industrial Seaweed agonomy in saline drainage water evaporation basins

RIRDC Project No:

SWT-1A

Start Date: 25-Aug-01 Finish Date: 30-Nov-05 Researcher: Mr. Robert Cordover Organisation: Robert Cordover T/A Seaweed Trading

PO Box 116 CURTIN ACT 2605

Phone: 0429 990 120 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• To make profitable use of saline wastewater in the Murray Darling Basin,

the project will introduce and develop agronomy and aquaculture technologies for agarophyte and carrageenophyte seaweed cultivation. Export markets for these industrial seaweeds have been identified and a whole-of-chain approach will include improvement of harvest quality and post harvest handling to market. Australian industry has expressed an interest in processing the raw seaweed into industrial food thickeners that are currently all imported and raw materials will be supplied for pilot extraction and processing of gels.

Current Progress

Goulburn-Murray Water made six trial ponds available within the Girgarre (Victoria) saline water evaporation basin. Underground water is pumped into the three-bay basin to lower water tables on surrounding arable farmland. Water for the seaweed experiments is mixed from the bays to provide a wide range of experimental salinities. A second site with different water qualities from Girgarre was selected in a dryland salinity region of western Victoria at Jeparat. Three varieties of a native Australian seaweed agarophyte, Gracilaria chilensis were selected for agronomy experiments at the Girgarre evaporation basin. Salinity limits were consistent with the literature that suggested a wide range of salinity and water quality tolerance. Other trials suggested that high concentrations of iron inhibited growth and viability of the seaweed. Nitrogen and Phosphorous are usually supplemented for growth, though potassium is also required at Girgarre, Gracilaria viability was not affected by temperatures as low as 4oC, though growth was very slow over winter. This is attributed to short day length with insufficient light intensity to drive high rates of seaweed growth necessary for commercial production. Seaweed grew well until April, but didn't start showing growth again in early August.

33

Project Title

Institutional change enabling kangaroo harvest to promote sustainable rangeland landscapes

RIRDC Project No:

UA-59A

Start Date: 3-Jan-02 Finish Date: 4-Jan-05 Researcher: Dr. Jocelyn Davies Organisation: The University of Adelaide

Department of Agronomy and Farming Systems Roseworthy Campus ROSEWORTHY SA 5371


• Recommendations and stakeholder support for institutional and policy

changes which will result in a more sustainable commercial kangaroo industry, based on analysis of institutional settings and interfaces between stakeholders development from case studies which examine social, cultural and economic parameters affecting harvest decisions.

Current Progress

The question of how social and institutional factors impact on kangaroo management is being examined in three South Australian case study areas: • Marla region – outside dog fence; large properties; few field processors

(shooters). • Port Augusta region – inside dog fence; large and small properties; many

field processors. • Northern Flinders Ranges – inside dog fence; large and small properties;

some field processors live locally with others based elsewhere. In each case study region, in-depth interviews are being conducted with up to 10 landholders and the field processors who harvest their property. Interviews are also being conducted with meat processors, harvest regulators and Aboriginal people. Preliminary research findings suggest that lack of flexibility in the regulatory institutions for kangaroo management limits industry development. The question of why only about half of the available quota is taken in SA is generating interesting and varied responses. Key issues to emerge are terrain and accessibility; tag allocation system; and economic considerations. These issues are being explored further in interviews and through analysis of spatial data. Further, the perspectives and aspirations of Aboriginal people for kangaroo harvest vary considerably with cultural concerns precluding industry involvement in some cases and keen interest in industry development and operation elsewhere.

34

Project Title

Perennial grain crops for high water use

RIRDC Project No:

UWA-60A

Start Date: 01/07/00 Finish Date: 30/06/03 Researcher: Dr. Ted Lefroy Organisation: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems

Private Bag 5 PO WEMBLEY WA 6913

Phone: 08 9333 6442 Fax: 08 9333 6444 Email: [email protected] Objective

• Select perennial relatives of the major grain crops (wheat, barley, rye) and high

seed-yielding naturalized and endemic perennial grasses for their potential as grain crops. The outcome will be perennial grass accessions ranked on the basis of seed yield, seed size, seed head architecture, harvest index and rooting depth as an indicator of their potential for further development as high water use perennial grain crops.

Current Progress

Forty six accessions of Microlaena stipoides are currently being grown in field plots at the UWA Field Station, Shenton Park; 34 from northern NSW/southern Queensland were established in 2001, and 12 from the south west of WA were established in 2002. All have been assessed for the following agronomically desirable characteristics for grain production:

Seed yield & its components Plant architecture & harvestability spikelet yield (seed in husk) culm number and length spikelet number per culm seed head height above foliage seed to husk ratio plant height seed yield (target 1 t/ha) leaf biomass seed size (target 8 mg) habit (erect/semi erect/prostrate) seed set (%) shatter score culm weight synchrony of seed maturity

In 2002/03, spikelets (seed + husk) were collected over an 8-week period. The ranges in variation of the main results are shown below.

WA (1st year) NSW (2nd year) Spikelet Yield (g/plant) 1.8±1.1 to 5.1±0.8 1.0±0.6 to 4.2±0.4 Spikelet number/culm 17.7±0.7 to 24.4±3.2 being evaluated Seed Yield (g/plant) 0.4±0.1 to 2.4±0.4 0.1±0.1 to 2.4±0.4 100 Seed Weight (mg) 299±22 to 666±32 129±29 to 368±21 Seed Set (%) 28±5 to 81±7 12±10 to 98±1 Culm Weight (g/plant) 4.6±1.9 to 9.4±2.1 being evaluated Culm Number/plant 11±5 to 27±7 being evaluated Culm Length (mm) 698±10 to 917±47 being evaluated Leaf Biomass (g/plant) not collected 5.4±0.7 to 20.8±4.6

Seed yield ranges from 11 to 195 kg/ha (NSW, 2nd year) and 33 to 196 kg/ha (WA, 1st year). These yields were measured at lower plant densities than are likely to be experienced under broad acre production (~8 versus ~23 plants/m2) and in the first two years, prior to maximum yields being achieved. It is expected that yields from the WA accessions for the next season (2003/04) will be 25-50% higher than the 2002/03 season.

35

Impediments/Risk Management Project Title

Implementation of blue heliotrope biocontrol strategy

RIRDC Project No:

CSE-89A

Start Date: 1/7/02 Finish Date: 30/6/04 Researcher: Dr David Briese Organisation: CSIRO Entomology

GPO Box 1700 CANBERRA ACT 2601


• The immediate outcome of this project will be to release into the field

additional agent(s) for the biological control of blue heliotrope that have been approved by quarantine authorities and will complement the already released leaf beetle. These will complete the complementary suite of agents attacking different parts of the weed and will maximise the chances of effective biological control.

Current Progress

Longitarsus sp. flea-beetles were collected from blue heliotrope plants in Argentina in autumn 2002. A rearing protocol was developed at the University of Buenos Aires, enabling a shipment of 64 adults to be sent to the Black Mountain Quarantine Facility, Canberra. These beetles were reared according to the protocol established in Argentina and F1 progeny used to study their life-cycle. Blue heliotrope seedlings were grown under controlled conditions, enabling the root zone to be observed periodically. Adult Longitarsus lived up to 8 weeks, feeding and mating on the leaves. Females entered the soil and laid eggs onto the plant roots. After hatching, larvae fed on the fine hair roots, destroying them. Mature larvae pupated in the soil and new adults then emerged to feed on leaves and repeat the cycle. The time for development from egg to adult was about 8 weeks. These observations provided the first record of the complete life-cycle of this flea-beetle. Experiments in quarantine showed that the most accurate host-specificity tests to determine the host range of Longitarsus would be no-choice larval survival tests. Testing of Longitarsus against a list of approved test plants has started and is expected to continue for the next 12 months.

36

Project Title

The farmer's road toward clean and green horticulture

RIRDC Project No:

CSL-14A

Start Date: 01/12/00 Finish Date: 30/11/03 Researcher: Dr. Richard Stirzaker Organisation: CSIRO Land & Water

PO Box 1666 CANBERRA ACT 2601


• To provide the land manager with a simple device to evaluate their own

performance in managing water, salt and nutrients in irrigated horticulture (FullStop wetting front detector), and to assist land managers to monitor the benefits of adopting new practices worthy of the clean green label.

Current Progress The FullStop wetting front detector was designed to be a simple and user-

friendly tool to help land managers think about water and nutrient management on their own farms. The aim of the project is to get land managers to assess their own performance and give them the confidence and impetus to change practice where necessary. This might be a change to their irrigation, fertilizer or salt leaching practices, redesign of the irrigation system or the purchase more sophisticated monitoring tools. In this final year of the project, work has focused on using the wetting front detector to monitor nitrogen and salt movement. The detector traps a sample of water from the wetting front and this can be monitored on a routine basis. Simple field tests such as the use of nitrate colour strips and measurement of EC have been compared with laboratory analysis of major solutes. Detectors have also been compared with the conventional method of soil solution sampling – the suction cup. The data is being used to construct rules as to how farmers can improve nitrogen and salt management from simple on-farm measurements.

37

Project Title

Environmental management system for trout production in inland saline water

RIRDC Project No:

UMU-27A

Start Date: 8-Jun-01 Finish Date: 8-Jun-04 Researcher: Dr. Alan Lymbery Organisation: Murdoch University

Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences MURDOCH WA 6150


• To increase environmental and economic sustainability of rainbow trout

production in inland saline water by developing an environmental management system (EMS) for fish production and designing a marketing strategy to capitalise on consumer preference for quality food produced in an environmentally friendly way.

Current Progress

The effluent from four different trout production systems was sampled over a 12-month period and analysed for water quality. There were significant loadings of total nitrogen, ammonia, nitrate/nitrite, total phosphorous and salinity in the effluent from all systems. The load of nutrients and salt discharged from trout farms may potentially impact on downstream riverine communities. A simulation model of nutrient cycling in inland saline trout ponds has been developed and is being used in conjunction with the water quality data to evaluate the environmental risks from trout farm effluent. A literature review of mitigation techniques for nutrient and salt discharge has been conducted, and constructed wetlands were identified as a sustainable, cost-effective method of reducing nutrient and salt loads in effluent. Experimental wetlands have been constructed using different plant species and are currently being tested for their efficiency in nutrient and salt removal under different conditions. A survey of inland saltwater trout consumers was conducted to test responses to environmental management and product quality information. Although the overwhelming majority of consumers recognised the importance of sustainable production, their willingness to pay more for products purely because they are produced in accordance with an environmental management system was less obvious. A more detailed consumer survey is currently being prepared.

38

New Technology Systems - Management Project Title

Economic and environmental benefits / risks of precision agriculture and mosaic farming

RIRDC Project No: CSW-34A Start Date: 7-Jan-00 Finish Date: 30-Nov-03 Researcher: Dr. Lisa Brennan Organisation: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Queensland Bioscience Precinct

306 Carmody Road St Lucia, QLD, 4067


• Provide those concerned with implementation of precision agriculture /

mosaic farming principles with tools and processes to support better informed, more profitable decisions about the use prevision agriculture technologies. A 'bioeconomic evaluation framework' that can assess both economic and environmental dimensions of spatially variable management practices, such as precision agriculture and mosaic farming, will be designed for this task.

• Achieve the first aim by collaborating with key stakeholders (eg property planners, agribusiness, other researchers) in case studies of 'real world' applications of precision agriculture / mosaic farming technolgy in an action learning approach to identify opportunities to interpret spatial variability and design tools and approaches to manage it. The case studies will explore a diverse range of possibilities for redesign of major farming systems that exploit spatial dimensions of farms through enterprise mix, soil variability and lateral hydrological processes.

• Provide comment on the implications of these benefits and risks in the wider context of variability facing Australian farms, in particular that associated with climate and markets.

• Promote insights arising from the project with research and industry stakeholders pursuing technological innovations such as (but not restricted to) precision agriculture or mosaic farming.

Current Progress

This project has continued to explore the knowledge gap between the operation of precision agriculture technologies (i.e. spatial data capture) and the final step of taking informed action, based on the data captured, to manage spatial variability to achieve an economic and/or environmental benefit. Of particular interest is the significant issue of interaction between spatial and temporal variability, and how this has implications for the actions taken by a farmer to manage cropping land. We have explored the potential of crop simulation models to aid the interpretation of spatial variability, observed through yield maps, on the project’s three case study sites in NSW. For selected sites within paddocks on each of the case study farms, a simulation model (APSIM) was configured to represent these sites using the soil characterization and crop monitoring data collected throughout the duration of the project. The model was then used to assess alternative management options that exploit spatial variability and the findings were discussed during meetings with collaborating farmers. Examples discussed included comparing the optimum economic benefit achievable by applying nitrogen uniformly to a paddock to the benefit achievable by applying different rates of nitrogen to two or more management zones. In another case study, the benefit attributable to changing the vegetation mix on an area of cropping land was discussed. Feedback from collaborating farmers to date indicates that this research is aiding their interpretation of observed spatial variability on their cropping land.

39

Project Title:

Building regional Australia’s capacity to initiate markets for ecosystem services

RIRDC Project No:

CSW-35A

Start Date 30-May-02 Finish Date 30-May-05 Researcher: Mr. Stuart Whitten Organisation: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems

GPO Box 284 Canberra ACT 2601


• To build the capacity of regional communities in Australia to initiate markets for

ecosystem services including biodiversity, carbon, salinity mitigation and water quality.

Current Progress

The potential theoretical impediments to practical application of markets for ecosystem services have been identified. These can be grouped into the following broad areas:

• defining goods that have sufficiently marketable characteristics; • designing suitable mechanisms and overcoming costs to trade in these

goods; and, • application of these concepts at the regional level within a broader natural

resource management agenda and toolbox. These theoretical concepts have been applied in the context of a robust pilot selection methodology and identification of key facilitative mechanisms and institutions in each of three case study areas. The resultant potential MBIs are the ‘best bet’ or ‘low hanging fruit’ opportunities that are potential target pilot markets.

‘Best bet’ ecosystem services market opportunities

Case study Potential pilot market Goulburn Broken Catchment

• Development offsets for water quality and biodiversity impacts.

• Salinity and water property rights for dryland salinity management.

Murrumbidgee Catchment

• Cap and trade applying to net recharge of groundwater aquifers from irrigation.

• In-stream salinity management. Blackwood Basin • Planting trees to protect road infrastructure.

• Beyond fencing –landscape reconstruction in the WA wheat-belt.

Other collaborative pilots

• Corridor retention in the Desert Uplands of Queensland.

• Identifying regulation / MBI tradeoffs in nutrient management

• Leveraging private investment in environmentally positive landuse management (with Greening Australia).

40

Project Title

Investigation into legumes with pharmaceutical and aquaculture potential

RIRDC Project No:

UWA-73A

Start Date: 7-Jan-02 Finish Date: 31-Jul-06 Researcher: Dr. Shao Fang Wang Organisation: University of Western Australia

CLIMA 35 Stirling Highway CRAWLEY WA 6009


• Develop a capacity for chemical analysis of legumes such that species from

the unique University of Western Australia genebank with valuable pharmaceutical or aquaculture benefit can be developed.

• Undertake chemical identification of isoflavonoids and bioactive compounds from legumes and asses their efficacy in mammalian breast/prostate cancer proliferation assays.

• Generate a basic knowledge of the chemistry of legume germplasms such that cultivars can be developed to suit specific industries.

• Develop cultivars for specific industries.

Current Progress

There is a large untapped potential for the utilization of forage legumes as sources of protein (for aquaculture feed), dietary phytohormones and new drugs in industries other than mainstream agriculture. The aims are to develop a capacity for chemical analysis of legumes such that species with valuable pharmaceutical or aquaculture benefit can be developed. The project is progressing well. Chemical identification of isoflavonoids and bioactive compounds from legumes has been undertaken and their efficacy in mammalian breast cancer proliferation assays assessed. The project commenced in July 2002 with the growth of a targeted group of forage legumes for study of anticancer activities. Fifty alcoholic and aqueous extracts from pasture legumes and twenty-four alcoholic extracts from pulses were prepared for screening their efficacy in mammalian breast cancer proliferation assays. This method has been developed for assessing total extracts, fractions and pure compounds. A total of twenty-five alcoholic extracts showed anti-cancer activities. The toxicity of the most active fourteen extracts has undergone preliminary assessment in normal human breast cells. Using a bioassay-guided fractionation approach, identification of active anticancer active compounds from these active alcoholic extracts is underway. Thirty-four species and varieties of pasture legume seeds were identified that may suit the aquaculture feed phase of the project. The total protein contents of these legume seeds were measured with up to 40% of protein content for some seeds. Total lipid contents and fatty acid profiles from these seeds were determined. Additional chemical analyses of these seeds are being carried out.

41

Accreditation Systems Project Title

Integrating QA, EMS and ICM in the Yarra Valley – a case study

RIRDC Project No:

DAV-186A

Start Date: 01/01/01 Finish Date: 30/11/03 Researcher: Ms. Jane Fisher Organisation: Department of Natural Resources and Environment (Vic) Phone: 03 9210 9243 Fax: 03 9800 3521 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• To develop and test a model regional environmental management system (EMS).

The project aims to develop a prototype or model for linking farm QA & BMP’s to a regional EMS using consultative and negotiated methods.

Current Progress

Industry interest in a regional EMS has grown in the last year. A regional environmental position statement has been developed with participation and endorsement from the nursery, flower, grape, dairy, apple, strawberry, rubus and vegetable industries. The project is linked with a DPI funded project, Developing Regional Environmental Best Management Practices for Viticulture (BMP’s), which will be published in June 2003. The self-assessment tool (SAT), and record keeping systems which form the basis of the regional EMS will also be available then. The BMP’s and the SAT have been endorsed as the brand standard by the Yarra Valley Centre for Agribusiness’ regional branding project. A training program has been piloted and is undergoing FarmBiz accreditation. A paper was presented at the 2nd National Wine Industry Environment Conference, Adelaide, 2001.

RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

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