Frequently Asked Questions

What is Our Rural Landscape? A four-year $50 million Victorian Government strategic initiative, which commenced in November 2003. What’s the overall aim of ORL? Innovative approaches to science and research that will develop the knowledge and tools that we need in order to grow productively and to use our natural resources more efficiently and sustainably. What is a Strategic Initiative? A strategic initiative is a mechanism for delivering or implementing government policy. Strategic initiatives are also known as 'programs’ or major ‘projects’. In DPI, strategic initiatives often involve the development and delivery of projects in the areas of scientific R & D, industry development, policy, market development, community engagement and extension.

Photo: Picking fruit

Why is the Victorian Government investing $50 million in ORL?
In 2002/03, Victoria's 37,000 farmers produced approx $7.5 billion worth of agricultural products from 13 million hectares of farm land. Productivity in the agricultural sector has been growing at around 2.6 per cent per annum. A 5% increase in productivity could improve Victoria's real income by 0.2% per annum or $290 million. Increased productivity means more prosperous rural families and thriving rural and regional communities providing jobs, educational and training opportunities and better lifestyle options.

Who is responsible for ORL?
The allocation and management of financial resources for ORL is the responsibility of the Department of Primary Industries. DPI may 'purchase' skills, knowledge and/or project outcomes from other partners such as DSE, Universities and CRCs.

DPI will work in partnership with other government departments, industry, producers and the scientific and rural communities.

Why was ORL established?

To position Victorian agriculture for the future by developing new, efficient, profitable and ecologically sustainable agri-food systems To develop solutions to environmental concerns for Victorian agriculture, including threats to biosecurity, rising watertables, salinity and increasing competition for natural resources. To meet increasing consumer demands for food with special health benefits and food that can demonstrate “credence qualities”, ie. food that has been produced ethically and sustainably. To target more profitable markets and create opportunities for diversification.

How is ORL funded?
The Victorian Government, through the Innovation Statement has allocated $50 million over four years to fund ORL 2003 - 2007. As the program develops, ORL will also attract co-investment and collaboration from private and public investors.

What does ORL aim to achieve?

New, efficient, profitable and ecologically sustainable agri-food systems More efficient use of our natural resources. A culture of innovation with people motivated to think creatively about the rural landscape. Confident, capable rural communities.

What are the ORL Themes?

Theme 1: Dramatic improvements in efficient use of natural resources for high value, sustainable agriculture Theme 2: Increased market access and development through substantiation of Victoria’s food integrity through the supply chain (clean, green, kind, safe and ethical) Theme 3: Restoring and valuing ecosystem services through new knowledge, technologies and innovative landscape management Theme 4: Linking across science interfaces for innovation Theme 5: Confident, capable people in the landscape

When does funding for Our Rural Landscape commence?
July 1, 2003. Project implementation commenced in November 2003, following a comprehensive five month program development phase. The program is scheduled to conclude in June 2007,

Is ORL funding available to the broader community?
No. ORL funding will be directed to large projects managed by Government however it is likely that projects will involve a broad range of stakeholders, such as farmers, private businesses, industry/community groups.

Is ORL funding available to organisations or agencies external to DPI?
Yes, if considered appropriate by the ORL Operations Management Group. ORL is a whole of government initiative, so other Victorian Government departments such as the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) may be involved in some projects, as well as organisations such as universities and Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs).

How will the rural community benefit from ORL?
The outcomes of the projects will benefit a broad range of stakeholders through productivity growth that will lead to the improved competitiveness of industries.

Who can I contact to find out more about ORL?
A team of staff from DPI has been appointed to manage the ORL program. This team will liaise and work in partnership with staff from all levels within DPI, DSE and other Departments/organisations where appropriate.

ORL Contacts:

Simon Smith	Manager, ORL	Ph: (03) 9658 4971	M: 0408 550 834
Trina Kennedy	Project Officer (for general inquiries and information)	Ph: (03) 9658 4727	M: 0419 560 317

For more information on Our Rural Landscape, phone 131 636 or visit the ORL web page.