Services to Farm Foresters

Foreword

The forestry industry in Victoria generates approximately $3 billion per annum and accounts for 29 per cent of Australia’s total wood exports. It is a significant contributor to the state’s economy and provides employment for more than 24,000 Victorians.

Farm forestry – the commercial production of timber and wood products on farm – is an important segment of the timber industry that can offer a range of unique benefits. These include economic and environmental benefits, particularly when farm forestry is effectively integrated within farming systems.

The State Government of Victoria – through the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) – provides a range of services to the farm-forestry sector to support its development. DPI’s primary role is to promote economic development in a way that supports environmental sustainability and community capacity to manage change.

DPI is implementing a range of initiatives to increase the understanding and uptake of farm forestry, integrate it into farming systems, and help growers adapt to challenges such as climate variability and volatile market conditions.

This document, DPI services to farm foresters, outlines DPI’s strategic context and the services we provide to farm foresters. The services outlined seek to support growth of the farm-forestry sector, help growers manage a range of risks, develop skills, and respond to emergencies. DPI also has a significant policy role that helps support and guide service delivery.

DPI is strengthening the way we deliver services to make them better targeted, more accessible and relevant to the needs of farm businesses. These services will be delivered via great collaboration with service providers including Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs), agribusiness, Regional Development Programs (RDPs) and other key stakeholder groups.

This document has been developed with input from a number of industry partners. DPI is committed to continuing to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that the farm-forestry sector is well placed to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Jeff Rosewarne

Secretary
Department of Primary Industries

Introduction

Emerging markets and the availability of new technologies and business practices provide opportunities for many food and fibre producers.

Along with other primary producers, farm foresters face challenges arising from climate variability, biosecurity incursions, labour shortages, and competition from overseas. The farm-forestry sector also has some unique challenges such as lack of scale, delayed financial returns, and supply chains developed for forestry on public land rather than farm forestry. In some situations there is a lack of adequately improved genetic material.

To capitalise on emerging opportunities and respond to these challenges, farm foresters need ready access to information and technology.

There are fewer than 20 service provider groups, including grower associations, active in Victoria’s farm-forestry sector. In this context, DPI’s task is to focus service delivery where a core role for government exists, and boost our collaboration with, and support of, other service providers. This will help ensure that producers have access to relevant information and services, when and where they need them.

DPI’s Better Services to Farmers strategy identifies that the information and type of services provided to producers need to be better targeted, more accessible and more relevant to their needs. The strategy also aims to be more efficient and effective in the way information is delivered.

Accordingly DPI is strengthening services to farm foresters, and developing new partnerships with industry organisations and other providers.

This document aims to clearly outline DPI’s operating context and the six key services we provide to farm foresters in 2011-12. Not all the services outlined can be delivered in 2011-12, but provide broad directions for the future.

It has been developed based on a thorough analysis of DPI’s role and expertise, as well as input from industry stakeholders. It is intended that, in consultation with industry, the document be periodically updated to reflect changing priorities for research, development and extension (R, D&E), regulatory and compliance services. The services outlined in this document will be the main mechanism through which the Victorian Government contributes to implementation of the Victorian Farm Forestry Industry Plan, which is being developed collaboratively by industry stakeholders and DPI.

This document’s target audience is industry partners, other service providers and DPI staff. It has been designed to help clarify DPI’s role, minimise any duplication of effort and help identify specific collaborative opportunities.

Industry challenges and opportunities

Farm forestry can play an important role in supporting productive and resilient farming systems that sustain the natural-resource base and adapt to a variable climate. When effectively integrated, farm forestry can be a complementary on-farm enterprise, without compromising agricultural output. Farm forestry has significant potential to increase overall primary production in Victoria at the same time as providing environmental, aesthetic and other benefits.

Like many sectors, farm forestry also faces challenges and uncertainties. In particular the predominance of small-scale plantations means the sector lacks sufficient scale to invest in solving many of these challenges, which in turn is a disincentive to further entrants.

Economic factors

Farm diversification to include forestry can offer access to new markets and income streams. These are driven by factors often independent of those affecting traditional agricultural commodities. Potential income-producing products include sawn timber, wood chips, firewood, posts and poles, foliage, honey, oil, and biofuel. Specialised timber products may also help to fill a gap in the market unmet by industrial-scale plantations, as well as complementing native-forest timber supplies.

On farm, operational costs may also be reduced. Timber can be used as an energy source or for fencing and building. Plantations can improve the productivity of crops and livestock by providing shade and shelter, as well as reducing lamb and off-shears sheep mortality rates. Shelter belts can reduce evaporation and wind erosion. Emerging carbon markets offer the prospect of additional returns.

Despite the potential benefits the sector faces significant challenges including:

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• delays of up to 30 years for financial returns
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• economies of scale which can limit harvesting and marketing options
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• labour issues.

Environmental values

Environmental benefits of farm forestry can include enhanced biodiversity –providing habitat corridors and protecting remnant vegetation – soil conservation and improved water quality through sediment trapping and salinity recharge control. Timber plantations and products derived from timber can also act as carbon sinks.

Grower technical knowledge

New entrants to the sector need to develop a range of technical skills to ensure successful planning and establishment of trees.

Without careful planning in relation to plantation design and management, the impact of farm forestry on agricultural operations, dwellings, and the broader community can be negative. For example an uninformed approach to new plantings could result in increased fire risk, spread of invasive species, sub optimal biodiversity benefits and reduced water runoff.

Investment in relevant R&D

Due to its modest size, the farm-forestry sector possesses relatively limited resources to invest in research, development and extension. Forestry research can also have long turnaround periods, and investments are mostly directed at large-scale plantation industry requirements.

The relatively small amount of R&D directed specifically at farm forestry limits the availability of relevant technical information for farm foresters. This includes limited genetic material suitable for farm forestry beyond the major commodity species of P. radiata and E. globulus.

While R&D funds are constrained there are nonetheless some promising R&D projects underway. An interesting example is a study into growing Blue Mallee (Eucalyptus polybractea) in shelterbelts for biofuel.

Climate variability

Increased frequency or severity of weather events, bushfires or drought poses some risks to farm forestry. This can be through direct affects on trees or by changing the risk profile for weeds, pests and pathogens. Longer term, climate change will also affect species selection. Overall however, forests are better able to cope with short term climate variation than other agricultural crops and therein lies some of their value as an extra income stream.

Continued uncertainty around climate change policy and carbon trading is an impediment to investment and growth of the farm-forestry sector.

DPI’s investment context

Strategy-driven outcomes and investments

DPI’s vision is to enable the state’s primary industries to sustainably build Victoria’s wealth and wellbeing. Our Strategic Plan identifies three headline outcomes needed for the state’s primary industries to achieve this vision:

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• competitive businesses and efficient markets
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• sustainably managed natural resources
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• engaged, safe and responsible communities.

The Agriculture and Fisheries Four-year Strategy supports the DPI Strategic Plan and sets the direction for our investment in the agriculture and fisheries sector. Four strategic outcomes drive our investment decisions:

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• increasing productivity and net value (Outcome 1)
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• growing market access (Outcome 2)
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• sustaining the natural resource base (Outcome 3)
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• protecting and enhancing community resources (Outcome 4).

Role of Government

A major role of government is to address inefficiencies in markets to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities. That is, to invest in important areas (for society) where industry and individuals under-invest due to their inability to capture sufficient or exclusive direct benefits.

DPI determines investment priorities and evaluates projects through a rigorous investment process, which considers market failure and the likelihood of net benefits arising from the investment.

In allocating funds to projects, DPI also considers the level of industry support. That is, DPI seeks co-investment from industry in proportion to the direct benefit that industry is likely to receive from an investment. Where industry and private benefits predominantly arise from a project, DPI is unlikely to invest, given that society at large is unlikely to be a key beneficiary.

To this end, DPI seeks to complement – but not compete with – the private sector, which is often better-placed to provide services that lead to direct enterprise-level profitability outcomes.

                                                                                                                                                                   

Primary industry sector sustainably building Victoria’s wealth and wellbeing				DPI Vision
↑		↑	↑
Competitive business and effective markets		Sustainably managed natural resource	Engaged, safe and responsible communities	DPI Headline Outcomes
↑	↑	↑	↑
Outcome 1       Increasing productivity and net value	Outcome 2       Growing market access	Outcome 3       Sustaining the natural resource base	Outcome 4       Protecting and enhancing community resources	Agriculture and Fisheries Strategic Outcomes

 

A farm-forestry industry plan for Victoria

A Farm Forestry Industry Plan for Victoria (FFIP) is being developed by key industry stakeholders with input from farm foresters and farm-forestry service providers.

The FFIP will provide long-term guidance for government and private investment to support farm forestry. In tandem, the FFIP will aim to integrate farm forestry into the Victorian rural landscape in a socially acceptable, environmentally beneficial and economically viable manner.

The FFIP will set goals for Victoria’s farm-forestry sector to:

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• provide an additional farm enterprise that complements existing farming activities
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• provide a supply of sawlogs and other roundwood to industry
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• provide a range of environmental benefits, including improved habitat and water quality, and salinity mitigation
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• supply biomass from timber thinnings and harvest residue, and timber industry by-products, for feedstock for bioenergy and biofuel
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• assist rural employment and regional value-adding.

In addition, the FFIP will complement the Farm Forestry National Action Statement (2005), which has the vision “to increase adoption of commercial tree growing and management as a widely accepted part of Australian farming for the production of wood and non-wood products and natural resource management benefits”.

DPI’s service delivery context

DPI’s support for farm forestry will be delivered through its services to farm foresters as described in this document. The services will mesh with the Farm Forestry Industry Plan and will be the mechanism through which the Victorian Government will deliver its contribution to the implementation of the Industry Plan.

There are six main service areas where DPI will take action:

1.   
2. Growing the farm-forestry sector. 
3. Support sector capacity to prepare for, and respond to, tree pest and disease threats. 
4. Support informed and efficient farm forest product utilisation. 
5. Support sustainable forest management and adaptation to climate variability. 
6. Minimise the threat of introduction and spread of invasive plants and animals.
7. Support farm foresters to prepare for, and recover from, natural disaster emergencies.

A summary of the services, including their alignment with DPI strategic outcomes and key service areas is outlined on page 13.

DPI is working to ensure its services are well aligned with the future needs of government and farm-forestry service providers. We will work in partnership with other service providers to build capacity and deliver better targeted more accessible and relevant services to Victoria’s farm foresters.

DPI will:

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• target services to achieve greatest benefit for Victoria
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• focus on public benefit
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• consider who is best placed to deliver services
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• not compete with effective private providers or community groups
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• grow the capability of DPI staff and the service provider sector as a whole
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• manage risks to ensure the strategy is successful.

In designing and delivering services, DPI will partner and collaborate with private and community service providers who are well placed to meet the changing needs of farmers and deliver better targeted, more accessible and relevant services.

DPI will engage in regular consultation with the farm-forestry sector to define needs and future services. The services provided by DPI are based on an analysis of these needs, the role of government and the requirement to deliver services in a whole-farm context.

Market and social research, and appropriate delivery are important in the design of services.

DPI uses six key approaches to inform the design and delivery of services:

1.   
2. Research – the discovery of new knowledge and technologies. 
3. Development – the testing and modification of new knowledge and technologies at a regional level. 
4. Retailing information – providing information direct to end-users (i.e. farmers). 
5. Wholesaling information – gathering information on research and development results and new practices and packaging it for ‘retail’ service providers (e.g. private consultants, community groups). 
6. Signposting – referring farmers and service providers to other (non-DPI) sources of information and services.
7. Regulation – to achieve compliance with government legislation.

DPI predominantly uses ‘retailing’ and ‘wholesaling’ approaches for most extension services.

DPI ‘retails’ services where net public benefits arise and/or where farm-forestry service providers co-invest in service delivery. Specifically, DPI will:

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• provide one-on-one services to producers for compliance and land and water management planning, but usually not provide one-on-one business or productivity consultancies to producers, unless there are exceptional circumstances (which may include fire, flood, hail, frost or drought)
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• work in partnership with other providers, to facilitate group/producer discussions, where this method is most effective for the target audience
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• increase the use of online service delivery, including improved content delivery systems including targeted webinars, FarmView videos and blogs
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• continue to include farm visits in the induction and training of field staff.

DPI ‘wholesales’ information to other providers where they are best placed to deliver services directly to farmers. This approach also helps grow the capability of the service sector as a whole, so farmers have greater access to relevant information. Specifically, DPI will:

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• identify and package relevant research and development (from DPI and others sources, nationally and internationally) targeted at service providers, who in turn ‘retail’ information to producers
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• package both (DPI) branded and un-branded products for use by service providers
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• increase our ‘knowledge brokering’ and facilitation role to effectively link people, information sources and resources
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• increasingly use specific and tailored methods for interacting with providers, including the use of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), contracts, preferred-supplier panels and tender processes, as well as encourage third-party accreditation of service providers.

The terms ‘retail’ and ‘wholesale’ are descriptions of the process of disseminating information, and do not represent commercial activities. DPI does not anticipate charging producers or other service providers for services it provides, apart from cost-recovery for some conferences, field days and training programs.

From a regulatory perspective, DPI will continue to monitor for exotic pests and diseases at the border and post-border and intervene to minimise these threats. We will work with landholders and community groups to improve on-farm biosecurity and implement pest and disease surveillance and reporting systems using existing farm-forestry monitoring networks. On-farm surveillance, in combination with border surveillance is important for early detection of exotics and validation of specific pest or diseases status for certification purposes.

The Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, through DPI, administers a number of Acts of Legislation relevant to the farm-forestry sector:

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• Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992
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• Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) Act 1994
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• Agricultural Industry Development Act 1990
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• Biological Control Act 1986
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• Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 –
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•    
  •      
  • Section 5
  •      
  • Parts 3, 5 and Divisions 1 and 2 of Part 6
          (These provisions are jointly administered with the Minister for Environment and Climate Change)
  •    
   
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• Forests Act 1958
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•    
  •      
  • The Act is jointly and severally administered with the Minister for Environment and Climate Change
  •    
   
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• Forestry Rights Act 1996
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•    
  •      
  • The Act is jointly and severally administered with the Minister for Environment and Climate Change
  •    
   
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• Land Conservation (Vehicle Control) Act 1972 –
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•    
  •      
  • Section 3 (this provision is jointly administered with the Minister for Environment and Climate Change)
          (The Act is otherwise administered by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change)
  •    
   
•  
• Plant Biosecurity Act 2010
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• Plant Health and Plant Products Act 1995.

DPI services to farm foresters in 2011–12

DPI offers six services to farm foresters and their service providers. The services and their alignment to DPI strategic outcomes are shown below. These services are detailed in full on the following pages.

                                                                                                                                         

DPI Agriculture and Fisheries strategic outcome area	Service type	Specific services
Increasing productivity and net value         (Outcome 1)	Productivity and capability development	Service 1: Growing the farm-forestry sector         Service 2: Support sector capacity to prepare for, and respond to tree pest and disease threats
Growing market access         (Outcome 2)	Business management	Service 3: Support informed and efficient farm forest product utilisation
Sustaining the natural resource base         (Outcome 3)	Sustainability and natural resource management	Service 4: Support sustainable farm forest management and adaptation to climate variability
Protecting and enhancing community resources         (Outcome 4)	Biosecurity and emergency management	Service 5: Minimise the threat of introduction and spread of invasive plants and animals         Service 6: Support farm foresters to prepare for, and recover from, natural disaster emergencies

The farm-forestry sector: at a glance

The estimated size of Victoria’s farm-forestry estate (excluding private native forests) is approximately 25,000 hectares, representing six per cent of the State’s plantation estate. An additional 20,000 hectares of corporate plantations is present on farms under a variety of cooperative management arrangements between growers and landholders.

More than 1000 growers own and manage farm forests. Farm forestry operations vary significantly in terms of production area, species grown and enterprise mix and capability. Many forest management decisions are therefore strongly influenced by factors other than maximising tree productivity.

The most common species established and managed in Victoria are Radiata Pine (Pinus radiata) and Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus), with Sugar Gum (Eucalyptus cladocalyx) and Red Ironbark (Eucalyptus tricarpa) more common in lower rainfall areas.

In addition, there are approximately 1 million hectares of privately owned native forests, of which an estimated 350,000 hectares may be suitable for commercial timber production. However, only a very small proportion of this private native forest resource is currently utilised for wood production.

The adoption of farm forestry varies across the state and is most commonly integrated within grazing systems.

Farm forestry is supported by seven regional farm-forestry grower associations, collectively represented by Farm Forest Growers Victoria (FFGV). A number of the regional groups are also branches of Australian Forest Growers (AFG), the national organisation representing the interests of private forestry and farm tree growers.

What is Farm Forestry? “The focus of the farm-forestry activity is primarily commercial, although there may also be other objectives including shade and shelter for stock or crops, natural resource management including soil and water protection, habitat conservation, landscape and amenity values. Farm forestry can take many forms, including plantations on farms, woodlots, timber-belts, alleys, wide-spaced tree planting and sustainably managed private native forests. Farm forestry plantations are predominantly of a smaller scale than industrial plantations and may have less emphasis on timber or fibre production as primary outputs. Importantly farm forestry is practiced by farmers and other landholders, using the resources and knowledge available to them. The farmer or landholder makes the critical decisions, from establishment and management to marketing of products and services”. Commonwealth Government’s Farm Forestry National Action Statement 2005.

Service 1: Growing the farm-forestry sector

For more information contact: Brian Thompson (03) 5723 8600 or email: Brian.Thompson@dpi.vic.gov.au

Service summary

DPI will work with industry and other stakeholders to grow the farm-forestry sector. It will do this through:

• growing the understanding and acceptance of farm forestry amongst key stakeholders
• identifying and removing impediments to the uptake and practice of farm forestry
• supporting development of a farm-forestry industry plan
• building capability within the sector.

This section describes the retail, wholesale and signposting services that DPI provides to support growth of the sector. Table 1 provides a more detailed list of actions.

DPI provides the following services directly to farmers, local governments, planning agencies and rural communities (retail):

• Information about the opportunities and risks of farm forestry. DPI works with farm-forestry groups and other stakeholders to develop and disseminate information to improve understanding of farm forestry. Relevant information is also included in other government programs, with particular emphasis on the potential of farm forestry to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Information to improve grower skills and capabilities. This includes fact sheets, information notes and field training days.
• The Farm-Forestry Toolbox is a suite of programs specifically developed for the farm-forestry sector to assist managers of shelterbelts, plantation and native forests to map and calculate growth and volume of plantation areas. It also assists in the diagnosis of plantation health problems and in the tracking of income and expenditure over the rotation of their forest.
• Information about government safety provisions, including the Safety in Forest Operations (Harvesting and Haulage) Industry Standard through extension activities to improve awareness of the Occupational Health & Safety risks of working with trees.
• DPI Information Notes on farm-forestry production (refer Appendix 1).
• Assessment of the availability of services to farm foresters and where appropriate providing capability-building assistance to grower groups and service providers.
• Whole-farm planning. FarmPlan 21 is a group-based, nationally-accredited learning program. FarmPlan21 designed to provide producers with the skills and knowledge to develop holistic farm plans comprising agronomic, business, market and natural resource management considerations.

DPI provides the following R, D&E information to service providers to build capacity and enhance service delivery (wholesale):

• Communication tools and resources. DPI works with farm-forestry groups to identify needs and provide a range of targeted information. This include fact sheets on farm-forestry’s contribution to regional communities, information notes and case studies on timber production from farms, R&D summaries, information notes, seminars, and on-line newsletters.
• Farm forestry research database. A research catalogue, collated by DPI that holds information on issues relevant to the farm-forestry sector. The database can be accessed online at <www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/pfr.nsf/index.htm>.
• Information for the education sector. Working with education providers, DPI will support farm-forestry education in schools by providing customised information.
• Support for development of genetically improved seed supplies for farm forestry, and distribute the latest research findings.

DPI will refer landholders and service providers to the following resources (signpost):

• DPI has established an online information library including links to state, national and international sources of farm-forestry information and relevant service providers. This can be accessed at <www.dpi.vic.gov.au/forestry/publications>.
• For Occupational Health & Safety information, DPI will refer landholders and service providers to WorkSafe Victoria.

Table 1 Actions to support growth of the farm-forestry sector

Issue	Action	Activities
Local authorities / agencies knowledge of farm forestry in relation to planning requirements and regional benefits is variable, creating   uncertainty and increasing costs to farm foresters.	1.1 Improve local government understanding of their role in farm-forestry processes.	Work with local government to improve: understanding and support for farm forestry and management of private native forests, consistency across shires. Identify and resolve issues concerning Farm Forestry Plantation Development Notices, including plantation access and future plantation roading issues.
Land managers can be unaware of the potential of farm forestry to assist them achieve their outcomes.	1.2 Work with natural resource managers to raise awareness of the potential of farm forestry to provide environmental values on a landscape scale.	Seek opportunities to include farm forestry in government natural resource management programs. Provide advice on appropriate locations for plantations that offer the greatest environmental benefits. Provide advice to support marketing mechanisms for the sale of environmental and social services from farm forestry. Integrate farm forestry with Landcare where mutual benefits exist. Develop a better understanding of the opportunities for improved social and environmental outcomes which can be delivered by active management of private native forests.
	1.2a Work with agricultural managers and organisations to raise awareness of the potential of farm forestry to provide improved farm productivity.	Seek opportunities to include farm forestry in government agricultural development programs, with particular emphasis on the role of farm forestry in climate change. Facilitate inclusion of farm forestry in farm planning training courses.
Small scale farm foresters can be disadvantaged in regulatory processes.	1.3 Ensure processes in obtaining timber harvesting plans, certification and licenses remain suitable for small woodlots.	Monitor the processes required by farm foresters to obtain permits and identify issues and facilitate improvements to resolve these issues. Assist farm foresters to understand and meet the regulatory requirements associated with active management of private native forests.
Extent and nature of farm- forestry estate uncertain and variable.	1.4 Evaluate and monitor the farm-forestry resource, including private native forests.	Support the collection of inventory data on farm forestry and private native forestry in Victoria.
Community perception of farm forestry can influence landholders and restrict adoption.	1.5 Work with farm-forestry groups to promote farm forestry.	Work with interest groups to provide credible and rational information to improve community understanding of farm forestry. Provide well supported information through the development of information notes, and published case studies on timber production from farms. Work with the education department to support farm-forestry education in schools, tertiary and vocational training institutions.
A coordinated and collaborative approach by farm foresters, industry, service providers and government is required to see the development of a thriving and sustainable farm-forestry sector.	1.6 Support the development of a Victorian Farm Forestry Industry Plan.	Support the development of a Victorian Farm Forestry Industry Plan. Encourage and support the development of regional action plans and contribute information and assistance to regional groups developing regional Farm Forestry Action Plans.
Increased private sector capability can improve provision of support services to the farm- forestry sector.	1.7 Scope current services, identify gaps and collaborate with the service sector to implement strategies to fill these support service gaps.	Undertake an assessment of services provided and the needs of relevant service providers Provide capacity building assistance to grower groups and service providers through networking and training. Work with farm-forestry groups to diversify products which can cater for various landholder motivations and farm types. Review and share learning from the peer-group mentoring program developed by the Otways Agroforestry Network. Investigate, implement and evaluate a Farm Forestry Industry Network (FFIN) modelled on the Horticulture Industry Network, subject to industry co-investment.
Farm forestry information is not always easily accessible.	1.8 Partner with farm-forestry service providers to ensure easy access to farm-forestry information on the web.	Work with farm-forestry service providers to ensure access to quality and up to date web based information, tools and resources.
Research results are often in a form that is inaccessible to farm foresters.	1.9 Facilitate the utilisation of farm-forestry research.	Interpret the outcomes of nationally generated R&D for the Victorian context. Develop partnerships between service providers to undertake extension of research results relevant to farm forestry, in particular scenarios. Provide information and support the development of genetically improved seed supplies for farm forestry.
Farmers unfamiliar with forestry operations can face increased Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) risks.	1.10 Improve awareness of the OH&S risks of working with trees.	Include OH&S factors in extension activities, promoting the Code of Practice in Forest Operations. Assist Work Safe to continue to reduce the risks of working with trees on farms.

Service 2: Support sector capacity to prepare for, and respond to, tree pest and disease threats

For more information contact: David Smith (03) 9210 9322 or email: David.Smith@dpi.vic.gov.au

Service summary

The biosecurity environment is becoming more complex as trade volumes increase and issues relating to migration, tourism, land use, agricultural practices and climate change evolve and interact.

This service provides science-based risk analysis, conducted to underpin threat identification and prioritisation, prevention, preparedness, detection and hazard reduction or management and certification. DPI has a key role in minimising biosecurity threats.

DPI will further develop partnerships with farm forestry and community groups to assist in protecting Victoria’s farm-forestry sector and implement state and national biosecurity obligations such as the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed.

This section describes the retail, wholesale and signposting services that DPI provides to support the sector deal with tree pest and disease threats.

DPI provides the following services directly to farmers, other land managers and other stakeholders (retail):

• Diagnostics supporting surveillance for early detection of exotic pests and diseases such as Myrtle Rust. Contact DPI’s Crop Health Services at 621 Burwood Highway, Knoxfield. Contact: (03 9210 9356), fax (03 9887 3166) or mail Private Bag 15, Ferntree Gully Business Centre VIC 3156.
• Regulatory services. DPI, under the provisions of state plant biosecurity legislation, implements programs to monitor and enforce statutory requirements aimed at reducing the negative impacts of individual actions on agricultural productivity, biosecurity, the environment and consumer confidence. This includes providing permits and certificates to control the movement of prescribed material into and out of control areas.
• Management of infested land. Landholders are required to comply with their biosecurity obligations to reduce the impact of infested lands on neighbouring enterprises. This includes DPI making landholders aware of their responsibilities to manage pests and diseases through voluntary compliance or by regulatory means, involving property inspection, review of management options and issuing of land management notices.
• Biosecurity emergency preparedness. DPI cooperates with relevant agencies and maintains a high-level of preparedness for outbreaks of exotic pests and diseases. Diligent preparedness, including the training of key service providers, increases the likelihood of effective eradication or containment of outbreaks.
• Emergency response. DPI will take the lead role in eradication and suppression programs and work directly with farm-forestry bodies when an outbreak of an emergency plant pest or disease occurs. DPI will often seek input from other service providers including baiting contractors, pest control companies and security firms where they are best placed to respond.
• The Small Landholder Information Service is an extension service to inform new landholders of their biosecurity and land management obligations.
• DPI Information Notes on plant pest and disease management (Appendix 1).

DPI provides the following R, D&E information to service providers to build capacity and enhance service delivery (wholesale):

• General (passive) surveillance systems: DPI will utilise existing commercial pest and disease monitoring networks to enable early detection, reporting and response to high-impact exotic threats. DPI will also seek to adopt and obtain national endorsement of general surveillance methods to validate freedom status for a range of pests and diseases.
• Biosecurity Communication and Awareness. DPI will continue to work with Plant Health Australia, farm-forestry associations and the allied services sector to develop and support effective communication and encourage producers to develop and implement on-farm biosecurity plans to minimise the risk of incursion and spread of pests and diseases.
• DPI will work with industry to ensure farm foresters are aware of their legislative requirements under state plant biosecurity legislation. This requires landholders, producers and associate businesses to comply with movement controls and report any suspect exotic or notifiable pest or disease to authorities within a specified timeframe.
• Technical training. This will focus on good biosecurity practice and will be delivered at farm-forestry events, such as field days and association meetings as part of the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed.
• Identification of plant diseases caused by fungi, viruses, nematodes and bacteria.
• Development of management practices for exotic incursions of diseases, and development of better diagnostic tools for emerging plant viruses.
• Impact of climate change on pest and disease threats, including vector-borne virus transmission and genetic variation.

DPI will refer farmers and service providers to the following resources (signpost):

• Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS), the Australian Government regulatory agency with inspection and export certification responsibilities.
• Plant Health Australia, the lead national coordinating body for plant health and for information about national plant health policies and programs.
• Farm Biosecurity Campaign, a joint initiative of Animal Health Australia (AHA) and Plant Health Australia (PHA). Farm biosecurity information and newsletters are available at <www.farmbiosecurity.com.au>.

Service 3: Support informed and efficient farm forest product utilisation

For more information contact: Brian Thompson (03) 5723 8600 or email: Brian.Thompson@dpi.vic.gov.au

Service summary

Enhancing producers’ knowledge of whole-of-supply chain processes and market requirements will support more informed decision making, and increase the potential for returns through value-adding and access to new and emerging markets.

This section describes the retail, wholesale and signposting services provided by DPI to equip landholders with the necessary market and business information to make sound business decisions in a changing environment. Table 2 provides a more detailed list of actions.

DPI provides the following services directly to farmers (retail):

• Independent information on investment opportunities and explanatory notes on the various investment agreement options available in the marketplace.
• Tools to support growers undertake economic analyses of commercial farm-forestry options and products.
• Information on carbon sequestration, carbon markets and emission offsets scenarios to assist farmers respond to carbon market opportunities and understand associated risks.
• Advice on emerging market opportunities derived from new innovations utilizing farm-forestry outputs. For example, use of woody biomass for provision of renewable energy, markets for ecosystem services, biomass and small-diameter logs.

DPI provides the following R, D&E information to service providers to build capacity and enhance service delivery (wholesale):

• Information about value chain opportunities. DPI will work with agribusiness groups and local industries to improve information flows in farm-forestry supply chains for farm-forestry products and electronic marketing options.
• Demonstrations and training in fields such as product grading, carbon auditing, and marketing and on-farm processing with portable milling and firewood production.

Table 2 Actions to support efficient farm forest product utilisation

Issue	Action	Activities
Improved grower knowledge of supply chains and market requirements can increase their potential to value-add to improve returns.	3.1 Improve understanding of the product value chain and opportunities for value adding.	Work with agribusiness groups and local industries to improve information flow on supply chains for farm-forestry products and electronic marketing. Organise local demonstrations and training on supply chain and marketing opportunities. Assist in the development of credible information on investment opportunities and information on the various investment agreement options in the marketplace.
Knowledge of financial aspects of alternative enterprises can increase options in farm decision making.	3.2 Economic analysis of various farm-forestry products.	Produce and publish on the web, reports on the economic analysis of each of the commercial products for both the high rainfall and low rainfall farm forestry.

Service 4: Support sustainable farm forest management and adaptation to climate variability

For more information contact: Brian Thompson (03) 5723 8600 or email: Brian.Thompson@dpi.vic.gov.au

Service summary

To achieve productivity and environmental outcomes, landholders need to adapt to climate variability as well as actively minimise on-farm and off-site environmental impacts such as soil erosion, dry-land salinity and nutrient run-off. This section describes the retail, wholesale and signposting services provided by DPI to help farm foresters respond to climate risks and protect the environment. Table 3 provides a more detailed list of actions.

DPI provides the following services directly to farmers (retail):

• Climate change and seasonal risk information. Outcomes from climate change research are packaged and communicated via training programs, updates to grower field days, farm-forestry conferences, and farm-forestry project steering groups.
• Carbon emissions information and decision support tools. Extension services to help farmers understand the Carbon Farming Initiative and their levels of carbon emissions, associated business risks and emissions reduction, will be delivered via farm-forestry workshops, information notes and on-line decision support tools.
• FarmPlan21 is a whole-farm planning program that helps farmers make informed decisions across the entire farming system. It enables farmers to plan and prepare for challenges such as prolonged drought, climate variability, biosecurity threats, emergency management and variable market conditions and to sustainably manage their natural resource base.
• Technical advice and, where available, grants for targeted implementation of on-ground environmental works, for example native vegetation, to reduce the threat of dryland salinity and nutrient contamination of high value public assets such as waterways.

DPI provides the following R, D&E information to service providers to build capacity and enhance service delivery (wholesale):

• Training programs for farm-forestry interest groups on carbon, climate-change scenarios, adaptation and mitigation strategies and natural-resource management, customised for regional audiences.
• DPI will provide information to natural resource management bodies and agencies to encourage them to understand that farm-forestry plantings (and where relevant, the active management of private native forests) are a legitimate form of revegetation and vegetation management for environmental purposes
• Information tailored for service providers from the Victorian Climate Change Adaptation Program (VCCAP), which includes actions for understanding the potential impacts of climate change and developing Victoria’s ability to respond.

DPI will refer farmers and service providers to the following resources (signpost):

• The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Catchment Management Authorities, Greening Australia and Trust for Nature for access to market-based instruments and grants, such as BushTender, Catchment Tender, Land Stewardship payments and vegetation covenants.

Table 3 Actions to support sustainable farm-forestry and adaptation to climate variability

Issue	Action	Activities
Landholders require impartial, independent advice on forestry greenhouse gas offsets.	4.1 Assist growers to respond to carbon sequestration and clean energy opportunities from trees and understand the associated risks.	Provide up-to-date information on tree carbon sequestration, clean energy, carbon markets and emission offsets for farms. Help farm foresters understand and assess opportunities under the Carbon Farming Initiative.
Continued innovations are needed for farmers to succeed in a changing environment.	4.2 Support the development of emerging market opportunities for farm forestry e.g. woody biomass for the generation of energy.	Provide information on new and emerging market opportunities through networking and the DPI website. Seek to remove impediments to the development of emerging products such as biomass and environmental services. Support the development of marketing processes for small producers.
Enhance knowledge concerning economic, environmental and social benefits of farm forestry.	4.3 Work with forestry and agricultural research providers.	Work with farm-forestry service providers to ascertain research priorities and provide expert advice to agricultural and forestry R&D providers.
Best practice forestry management is required to optimise the environmental and social benefits of forestry.	4.4 Ensure farm foresters have access to best practice forestry management information and to support adoption.	Partner with farm-forestry service providers to provide farm foresters with up-to-date information on silvicultural practices, particularly in relation to climate change, fire risk management and biodiversity, using innovative communication techniques and products. Improve farm-forestry service providers understanding of the hydrological impacts of land use change involving trees. Work with farm-forestry service providers to help farm foresters understand and comply with the Code of Forest Practice for Timber Production. Provide information to assist farm foresters to obtain environmental certification of their management of forests and plantations.

Service 5: Minimise the threat of introduction and spread of invasive plants and animals

For more information contact: John Balfour (03) 9217 4341 or email: John.Balfour@dpi.vic.gov.au

Service summary

This service helps farm foresters along with other land managers protect the economy, the environment and market access from the effects of invasive species.

DPI provides the following services directly to farmers (retail):

• Advice about weed and pest animal management and responsibilities.
• On-ground activities to eradicate State Prohibited Weeds.
• Compliance services to support community action to control priority weed species.
• DPI Information Notes on invasive plant and animal management.

DPI provides the following R, D&E information to service providers to build capacity and enhance service delivery (wholesale):

Partnership programs involving volunteers and land managers. For example:

• Serrated Tussock, Blackberry and Gorse projects
• a focus on asset protection through CMAs and programs such as FarmPlan21.
• reducing the spread of weeds through best practice guides and training.
• the Weed Alert program, which focuses on the landscaping and garden industries.
• building local government capacity to improve roadside weed and rabbit control.

DPI will refer farmers and service providers to the following (signpost):

• Department of Sustainability and Environment for information and advice on control works which may affect native vegetation.
• Catchment Management Authorities for information on permits required to conduct invasive plant control works on waterways and guidance on best management practices.
• Landcare or ‘Friends’ groups for assistance and support in conducting control works on invasive species.
• Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) as the responsible authority for the assessment and registration of agricultural and veterinary chemicals in Australia for information on chemical registration status.
• Royal Botanic Gardens and the National Herbarium for plant identification.

Service 6: Support farm foresters to prepare for, and recover from, natural disaster emergencies

For more information contact: Banjo Patterson (03) 5573 0730 or email: Banjo.patterson@dpi.vic.gov.au

Service summary

Bushfires pose a significant danger to the farm-forestry sector, threatening to destroy plantations, homes and communities. In addition, the perceived threat of bushfire has proven to be a significant disincentive for landholder investment in farm forestry.

This service helps farm foresters along with other land managers put in place emergency prevention and preparedness strategies and provides assistance to resume normal operations.

DPI provides the following services directly to farmers (retail):

• Pre-prepared DPI information notes providing advice to affected landholders and to a new website providing information to assist landholders prepare for and reduce the impact of emergencies on their business.
• Assessment of loss and damage to assets and needs of affected persons and communities.
• Advisory services targeted to individuals, communities and government agencies on re-establishment of rural enterprises or alternative strategies for economic recovery. <www.dpi.vic.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/our-key-work-area/emergency-management>.
  
• Identification and delivery of funded recovery programs including administration of relief subsidies (where available). Depending on the incident, DPI may provide farm planning and recovery advice, soil conservation services and pest and weed control programs.
• DPI Information Notes on fire and drought emergency management (refer Appendix 1).

DPI provides the following R, D&E information to service providers to build capacity and enhance service delivery (wholesale):

• Participation in coordinated programs with CFA, DSE, DHS, Victorian Police, SES, local government and non-government organisations, including the Victorian Farmers Federation to ensure emergency response is efficient and effective.
• Referrals to appropriate organisations including Rural Financial Counselling services.

DPI will refer farmers and service providers to the following (signpost):

• Services directly supporting the personal needs of affected landholders after an emergency. This includes advice on financial assistance, accommodation and personal support <www.dhs.vic.gov.au/home>, and <www.health.vic.gov.au/doh>.
• Services to help affected primary producers re-establish their businesses. This includes access to information packages on recovery and financial assistance.<www.health.vic.gov.au/bushfire/business/respond_recover.htm>.
• To the CFA website for information on fire preparedness <www.cfa.vic.gov.au> and <www.dpi.vic.gov.au/home>.