May 19, 2016
$520,000 will be invested in a new agroforestry R&D project that will help put more dollars in the pockets of farmers and the cash registers of small businesses through the strategic use of trees in agriculture.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce today announced Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) would use the funding to bring trees back on to farming land, during a visit to the ASH Heyfield Mill.
“The Coalition’s understanding of, and commitment to, the agricultural sector is unmatched.
“The Coalition is investing serious dollars to get serious returns for our farmers, whether it’s through our sharply focused $4 billion Ag White Paper, the three Free Trade Agreements we’ve secured with China, Korea and Japan, or doubling our investment in research and development,” Minister Joyce said.
“It is money well spent—ABARES estimates for every dollar the Government invests in rural R&D, broadacre farmers generate a $12 return over 10 years. That’s long-term money flowing into households and businesses throughout regional Australia.
“This project is a classic example of smart investment in R&D. Tree coverage can have all manner of benefits for farmers, ranging from greater animal productivity because of improved shelter for stock, better soil management and direct sales of timber off-property.
“This grant will be matched by more than $890,000 in cash and in-kind contributions by FWPA and its partner organisations.”
Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the research results could produce real results for farmers and businesses in the local area.
“Gippsland is home to some of the best farmers in the world who know the importance of good land management and the value of looking after their livestock,” Mr Chester said.
“The knowledge gleaned from this project is going to build on their achievements and lock in better returns for them and their communities for years to come. It can also be applied across the nation.
“On-farm timber is a great across-the-board asset for primary producers. The right management plan can lead to a boost in milk production and improved weight gain in cattle, protect our fragile soils, create a better environment for honeybees, act as a source of income if it is harvested and even help with carbon sequestration.
“The more we can learn about getting the best out of existing and new stands of timber, the better off our landholders will be in terms of income and looking after their greatest asset – their land.”
FWPA managing director Ric Sinclair welcomed the announcement and noted that commercial trees on farms can help income diversification and deliver proven environmental benefits.
“This research will provide decision support tools to help farmers make better decisions about trees on farms and it builds upon more than 20 years of world-leading research by the CSIRO,” Mr Sinclair said.
The funding is being provided under Round Two of the government’s Rural R&D for Profit Programme, which will deliver $52 million for a range of projects focusing on soil, water and natural resource management, advanced technology, biosecurity and on-farm adoption of R&D.
Funding is provided to Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), who partner with one or more research agencies, universities, funding bodies, businesses, producer groups, or not-for-profit organisations on projects that will deliver real benefits on the farm.
FWPA will partner with Dairy Australia, the CSIRO, Private Forests Tasmania, the Rural Industries RDC, the University of Tasmania, Greening Australia, Forico and the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association on this project.
