A focus on global, national and regional sustainability
There are increasing global pressures for more grain, livestock and fibre to be produced from diminishing areas of high quality land – in fact, two to three times current production within just 45 years.
There is a profound challenge for farming to go beyond the benefits of the
green revolution with advanced and profitable livestock, grain and fibre production systems which also provide ecosystems services that support the natural land and water resources of the planet.
With increasingly competitive international markets, the long-term success of Australian food producers will depend largely on their capacity to develop certifiable systems which are environmentally sustainable and which will
assure consumers of that sustainability and food safety.
It is clear that, with improved management of water, increased inputs of nutrients and appropriate species/cultivars, the level of crop, pasture and livestock production can be increased. However, the question remains, can such gains be made in a sustainable manner? To what extent can diversified, integrated, farming systems contribute to achieving sustainability?
The Sustainable Farming group is clearly focused on the key global, national and regional issues of water, soils, pastures, crops, livestock, nutrients and energy and how they interact in viable, profitable and sustainable whole farm systems.