Farm forestry research
Farm Forestry research involves the systematic
enquiry and investigation of facts and principles related
to growing trees on farms, and the marketing of farm forestry
products and services. Despite many years of research undertaken
in native forests and conventional timber plantations across
Australia, there remains a great deal of uncertainty about
the growth and performance of many tree species, especially
where they are grown in new areas or in new ways. Consequently,
farmers must always be cautious when considering results or
the conclusions based on research done in other regions or
under different management regimes.
Australia is fortunate to have a number of national
and regional research organisations working on projects relevant
to farm forestry and revegetation. Some, such as the Joint
Venture Agroforestry Program, focus exclusively on farm forestry
research. Others of relevance to farm forestry include those
working on land degradation, tree and forest products, and
agricultural systems. The timber industry is also involved
in developing or improving manufacturing and marketing opportunities,
and forestry companies and nurseries are continually improving
their operational efficiency and identifying improved methods
and genetic material.
Whilst formal research is important in ensuring
there is a scientific basis underpinning farm forestry development,
on-farm research and adaptation is now widely recognized as
also fundamental in furthering knowledge and farmer confidence.
Farmer involvement in research and monitoring also helps in
highlighting research needs.
On-farm
research
Formal research
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