Systematic Approach to Sustainable Agriculture across Queensland

The Systematic Approach to Sustainable Agriculture across Queensland project supports industry and the regional NRM bodies through planning and implementation of sustainable agricultural production practices at a property, catchment and regional level. These practices are identified in regional NRM plans and Regional Investment Strategies developed by the regional bodies.

This sustainable agriculture project has provided the framework for industry organisations and regional NRM bodies to strategically test and learn more about effective sustainable agriculture partnerships. Regional NRM bodies and industry groups are working together to strengthen knowledge sharing; partnerships; the role of incentives and mixed farming; and the use of existing knowledge and experience for effective agriculture partnerships. Collaborative efforts to align industry Farm Management Systems (FMS) and regional delivery programs are continually developing throughout the state.

Regional NRM bodies and industry groups across the state are coordinating approaches to sustainable agricultural issues relevant to each region. The objectives of the main activities within the project are to:

effectively communicate sustainable agricultural project activities and outcomes achieved through partnerships between regional NRM bodies, industry groups and government agencies
scope the inclusion of catchment risks and associated targets into the Cotton Best Management Practice (BMP) program with Cotton Australia
scope key gaps in industry grazing programs with AgForce Grazing
develop a grains BMP to address issues identified in relevant regional NRM plans with AgForce Grains
scope the coordination and communication needs of partners with all industry and regional groups
further align FMS programs with regional delivery programs to address catchment risks, which includes Queensland Dairyfarmers Organisation, Nursery Growers Industry QLD, Queensland Farmers’ Federation and Growcom
identify key knowledge gaps amongst all partners

This various sustainable agricultural initiatives has provided a rich source of information, which is currently being adopted by those involved in the design and delivery of sustainable agriculture programs within regional groups, industry bodies and agencies. This project provides opportunities to share learnings across areas and sectors. These shared learnings build on key knowledge gaps and are adopted into strategic decision making processes.

To build on existing activities and further strengthen partnerships, regional NRM bodies, industry groups and government agencies are collaborating to scope a strategic investment plan for sustainable agriculture in Queensland. The strategic investment plan will be implemented through effective partnerships which explore links between natural systems and agricultural systems.

Download the 2007 project highlights:

A systematic Approach to Sustainable Agriculture across QLD Project: Project Highlights (doc 484KB)

Qld Grazing Symposium - November 2008

The Queensland Grazing Symposium, hosted by the Collective, was held 26-27 November 2008, Cairns.

The documents attached below were provided as background information for delegates of the symposium. The documents are seperated into different topic areas covered at the event.

For further information please contact Sarah Hood on 0428 255 506 or sarah.hood@rgc.org.au

Topic 1: Vision Statements

The document below shows the vision statements consultation and the full list of topics for the event.

1. Vision statement and workshop topics (doc 60KB)

Topic 10: Pest and Weed Management

Topic 11: Holistic Grazing

11. Grazing package outline (doc 126KB)11. Mossman Eco-accreditation (doc 51KB)

Topic 12: Grazing Research, Development and Extension Network

12. Agforward Grazing Training Report (pdf 1.79MB)

12. FutureBeef Summary (pdf 215KB)

12. Highlights from November 2006 NRM Grazing workshop (doc 33KB)

12. Strategic and Multiregional Grazing Needs (doc 90KB)

Cotton Australia and Regional NRM Groups

In 2007 and 2008 Cotton Australia worked with the five Regional NRM Groups throughout Queensland to identify where and how Cotton Best Management Practice (BMP) modules could be adopted in regional NRM planning and program delivery.

See more information in the flyer:

Cotton Australia and Regional NRM Bodies Flyer (doc 777KB)

AgForward Resource

See information in AgForward's initiative:

Delivery of training in the management of grazing lands in Qld: a gap analysis (pdf 1.79MB)

Growcom and Regional NRM Groups

To assist growers demonstrate their environmental credentials and improve their profitability, Growcom worked with the Queensland Regional Natural Resource Management Groups to develop a risk-based farm management system, the Growcom FMS.

See information sheet:

Growcom and Regional NRM Groups information sheet (pdf 160KB)

QDO and Regional NRM Groups

Queensland Dairyfarmers Organisation (QDO) are working with Natural Resource Management Groups throughout the state under the Systematic Approach to Sustainable Agriculture across Queensland project to develop environmental recognition for their industry Farm Management Systems (FMS) program Dairying Better N Better for Tomorrow (DBnB).

See information sheet:

QDO and Regional NRM Groups information sheet (pdf 1.44MB)

Sustainable Agriculture News

Systematic sustainable agriculture has exposed what many already knew – primary producers across Queensland making great gains. See media release below.

Duplication slashed across sustainable ag 25/02/08 (doc 51KB)

For more information about developing a Strategic Investment Plan for sustainable agriculture in Queensland - Towards 2015:

Sustainable Agriculture towards 2015 (pdf 563KB)

For more State-wide Sustainable Agriculture information visit the Queensland Farmers' Federation at www.qff.org.au

Contacts

Sarah Hood, Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager

Phone: 0428 255 506

Email: sarah.hood@rgc.org.au

Scott Cawley, 2015 Strategic Plan Project Manager

Phone: (07) 4628 5215 or 0427 832 899

Email: cawleys@dpi.qld.gov.au

Andrew Drysdale, Chief Executive Officer

Phone: (07) 4699 5000

Email: andrewd@rgc.org.au

Attachment	Size
Agforward GLM Report	1.79 MB
Growcom and Regional Groups	160.93 KB

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Qld Grazing Symposium - November 2008

Topic 1: Vision Statements

Topic 2: Land Condition Monitoring

Topic 3: Biodiversity

Topic 4: Delbessy Agreement

Topic 5: Grazing Land Management

Topic 6: Fire Management

Topic 7: Stewardship/Ecosystem Services

Topic 8: Carbon and Grazing

Topic 9: Effective and/or Novel Engagement Techniques