Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) in NT Horticulture

Concepts of ESD in NT Horticulture As it pertains to Horticulture, ESD describes farming systems that are capable of maintaining their productivity and usefulness to society indefinitely. Such systems …must be;  natural resource conserving  socially / culturally supportive  commercially competitive  and environmentally sound

Sustainability Issues With respect to sustainable agriculture;  Long term viability and resilience of rural economies.  Conservation and enhancement of the natural resource base.  Avoidance of environmental impacts.  Socio-economic viability of rural communities.  Quality of land management managerial skills.

NTHA Accomplishments  Development of a strategic Natural Resource Management plan for Horticulture in the Northern Territory.  Production and implementation of best practice guidelines for sustainable land use in the Northern Territory ( SUSTAINT / SPINTA )  Addressing deficiencies in the marketing and supply chains of exotic tropical fruits through the Tropical Fruits Industry Partnership Program

 Identifying the needs of the non-English speaking background (NESB) growers with regards to Natural Resource Management.  Working toward the determination of best water practice for the sustainable production of cut flowers.  Best practice accreditation programs (NIASA/EcoHort) for the Nursery and Garden Industry (NGINT).

NT ESD considerations  Largest, relatively intact area of savanna on the planet – costly to manage - huge asset.  Small population base in the landscape. Good NRM requires people in the landscape.  Economy is focused on, and driven by purely extractive fly-in, fly-out industries.  Greater focus required on sustainable development that is going to provide infrastructure in the regions –Agriculture /Eco -tourism / Defence.

ESD Priorities Collaborative Research Centre for Sustainable Development in Northern Australia. Comprehensive land capability mapping Sustained Research and Development (R&D) Extension programs to coordinate, facilitate and accelerate the implementation of sustainable food systems in the North.

ESD Barriers  Awareness  Knowledge  Education  Training  Investment  Continuity  Passion