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Home > Environmental Management > National Resource Management (NRM)
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Linkages with Natural Resource Management
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Natural resources, such as soil and water, are the foundation of horticultural production. Proper use of natural resources is important on every level. Growers need access to suitable and sustainable natural resources for production today, and into the future. Communities and governments insist that production does not negatively impact on surrounding environments. Customers want assurances that products are premium quality and grown with a commitment to environmental principles.
Horticulture for Tomorrow has a particular focus on increasing efficiency while ensuring effective long-term management of natural resource use in horticulture, especially in the case of water use.
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It was identified at the Horticulture for Tomorrow Industry Summit in 2004, and again at the Industry NRM Session in 2005, that water access and management will continue to be major issues for horticulture.
Horticulture is a major agricultural industry. Horticultural crops account for only 17% of total irrigation us but produce more than 40% of Australia's irrigated production. However, despite its importance and its relatively high return per megalitre, horticulture is one of the most vulnerable industries to seasonal water availability and water quality changes. Horticulture is also located in areas where water reliability is poor; cost of replanting permanent crops are high and water quality can limit production.
Due to the development of the guidelines growers/practitioners will be able to incorporate or adapt the document for individual codes of practice or management systems, to ensure the specific needs of horticulture are covered and recognized by water suppliers and regulators.
By improving efficiencies and management of resource use the long-term sustainability of horticulture and the environment will be ensured.
The Horticulture Natural Resource Management Strategy addresses the issue of natural resource management while also promoting the benefit of horticultural production. It is a clear and practical plan which provides a benchmark for horticulture’s profitable and sustainable future; at every level.
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Vegetable grower and regional coordinators discuss water management techniques at Regional Coordinators Workshop/Field Day in Gosford, December 2005.
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