Carbon Farming – Extension & Outreach. This project provided horticultural growers with tailored information and tools to pursue carbon farming, emissions reductions and carbon sequestration in their farming and packing enterprises. The project enabled growers to make informed decisions by increasing their understanding of carbon mitigation in horticulture. This has encouraged growers to consider emissions management as part of their everyday management decision.
Carbon Farming – Action on the Ground. This project demonstrated the use of nitrification inhibitors with fertilisers in subtropical horticulture production with the aim to reduce emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a major greenhouse gas. On-farm trials provided real-world comparisons between the growers’ current standard fertiliser practices with those employing nitrification inhibitors with the same nitrogen application rates.
Carbon & Sustainability – emissions demonstration. This project demonstrated the effects of various farm management practices on greenhouse gas emissions and soil carbon levels. Practices under investigation include minimum till, fertiliser application methods, the addition of biochar and nitrification inhibitors. Field sites were located on production farms in the Granite Belt and Lockyer Valley. (Funded by the Climate Change Research Program of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry).
Enhancing resilience and recovery. This project investigated aspects of farm design and practice that maximise resilience to natural disasters. It also identified the steps required to enable producers to rapidly rebuild their lives and businesses following natural disasters. The primary output was a disaster recovery toolbox. (Funded by a DEEDI Rural Resilience Package Industry Grant).
Economic impact of carbon price. This project produced a detailed but easy-to-comprehend summary of the key mechanics of the proposed carbon pricing mechanism (Clean Energy Future policy). It included an analysis of the economic impacts of the projected cost increases including bottom-line impacts on farm profitability, and outline strategies to minimise exposure to the carbon price. (Funded by Horticulture Australia Limited).
Opportunities in the Carbon Farming Initiative. This project assessed opportunities for horticultural enterprises to generate credits in the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI). Particular topics included the identification of possible activities and methodologies, an assessment of R&D requirements, estimates of the emissions abatement and carbon sequestration potential for a number of key commodity groups, and an estimate of realistic income potential from activities in the CFI. (Funded by Horticulture Australia Limited).
Critical thresholds. We collaborated with Agri-Science Queensland to assess the impact of projected temperature increases on a range of major fruit and vegetable crops. This project identified a number of crops and regions that may be impacted by climate change, and suggested practical adaptation measures to reduce these impacts.
Climate change for the apple and pear industry. This project identified the potential impacts of climate change on apple and pear production. Climate modelling was used to assess the potential climate risks across all Australian growing regions. It provided a summary of regionally-specific adaptation and management practices for changes in temperature, water availability and the impacts of pests/diseases. (Funded by Horticulture Australia Limited)
Climate change for the avocado industry. Information on the effect of current climate variability on avocado production was used to determine the potential impacts of climate change on this industry, and to identify specific management strategies that can be employed. Climate projections were used to assess the level of vulnerability in different production regions. This project also summarised key aspects of carbon mitigation policies that are relevant to the avocado industry. (Funded by Horticulture Australia Limited)
Climate RD&E review. Growcom was contracted by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) to review the industry’s climate research, development and extension needs. This project identified priorities for industry investment in RD&E. (Funded by Horticulture Australia Limited)
NurseryFootprint. We developed a carbon footprint calculator to suit the specific needs of the Australian nursery and garden industry. (Funded by Nursery & Garden Industry Australia)