Fact sheets

Fact sheet #1 - Our Rural Landscape (ORL) The facts A four-year $50 million Victorian Government science-based program. Aimed at developing a prosperous and sustainable Victorian food and agriculture sector. Led by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Commenced in November 2003. Background Builds on previous and current Victorian Government strategies: the Science, Technology and Innovation Initiative, the Ecologically Sustainable Agriculture Initiative and the Naturally Victorian Initiative. An investment in the future of Victoria’ primary industries. Investment in agriculture R&D shows an average rate of return more than double the cost of investment. Aims to continue strong economic growth in regional Victoria (food exports up from $2 billion in 1992 to $6.5 billion in 2002/03). Tackles pressing challenges facing the agri-food industry including threats to biosecurity, environmental concerns, such as rising watertables, salinity and increasing competition for natural resources.

Photo: Fiona Johnson

The Approach

• Uses a variety of approaches to reduce costs, increase productivity, target more profitable markets and create opportunities for diversification.
  
  
• Links diverse technologies, science disciplines and contributors to identify new opportunities and solutions for Victoria’s food and agriculture sector.
  
  
• Places greater value on economic, environmental and social outcomes from Victoria’s primary industries.
  
  
• Involves Victoria’s major agrifood industries and regions.
  
  
• Includes 14 major new research and development projects in 5 key project areas.

• ORL agricultural environments: profitable agriculture integrated with natural environments
• ORL future farm and food systems: higher value agriculture using less natural resources
• ORL consumers and future markets: delivering consumer benefits from our rural landscape
• Innovation in the rural landscape: fostering and rewarding innovation in our rural landscape
• Community in the landscape: communities creating profitable and sustainable rural landscapes

• Builds on DPI research projects funded under Victoria’s $48 million Science Technology and Innovation Initiative (1999- 2003).
  
  
• Most of the research to be carried out in DPI’s network of 14 research centres. Food processing related research is to be carried out at Food Science Australia (Werribee campus).
  
  
• Research partners will include CSIRO, major universities, private industry, industry research corporations and overseas R&D organisations.

• $50 million over four years from the Victorian Government’s Innovation Statement.
• Co-investment and collaboration from private and public investors.

• Sustainable development through innovation: thriving agribusiness, cohesive rural communities and healthy ecosystems.