National Horticultural Research Network - Horticulture Industry ...

National Horticultural Research Network
Implementing the future Framework September 2010
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Most industries have elements of these two approaches but the emphasis is different dependent on
national coordination and portability of results between states.
South Australia
SARDI undertakes extension of research outputs to State and National industry groups under
individual projects generally by the research scientist(s) undertaking the research program. These
programs and activities are as agreed under the research funding contracts negotiated with the funding
organisation and generally take the form of workshops, seminars, group training session and field
based group activities. SARDI scientists having developed expertise in specific crops and disciplines
through research programs remain active technical resource personnel for both the research
community and industry after completion of the project.
Specific and targeted extension programs are undertaken by Rural Solutions SA (a Division of
PIRSA) on a full cost recovery basis. Their extension programs are usually not directly linked to
SARDI research activities and will use technical resources from a wide range of local, national and
international sources.
Private consultants and the agriculture service industries are an important source of information for
horticulturists in SA. Research outcomes and technical information is extended to this group via both
individual contact with researchers and group programs at the request of either the industry generally
or the service organisation.
Queensland
The Queensland Government approach to extension in horticulture is to use a mix of resources for
information provision and practice change. This model relies on private consultants, agribusiness
employees, industry IDO's and departmental extension staff. Departmental staff are focused on a
limited number of crops, as few as one, and are encouraged to take up large projects, to integrate
development research and extension across disciplines. Extension staff often have the people skills to
negotiate with industry, funders and fellow employees in bringing together these complex projects.
Only the major crops have dedicated extension staff.
New South Wales
NSW Industry and Investment has 32 extension horticulturists across NSW specialising in regional
industries. Extension horticulturists work closely with research programs to identify and extend
relevant research findings through a range of appropriate media including provision of workshops,
and formal education and training sessions, web based Primefacts and Agfacts, articles in industry
journals and magazines, industry newsletters, field days and demonstration sites. NSW I&I has five
industry leaders who provide a tight linkage between research and extension in the field. Extension
staff are developing expertise in newer technologies including DVDs, free running audio powerpoint,
podcasts etc. Information is sourced from national and international collaborators to keep producers
aware of international trends. Extension staff also work closely with local industry groups to provide
industry development support and assist grower groups in meeting production and financial targets
using participatory approaches to help ensure long term viability of growers in financial,
environmental and social facets. They also provide information for grass roots biosecurity responses
by creating awareness of on farm biosecurity strategies, facilitate incident detection and reporting and
provide links to National and State biosecurity networks. Extension staff provide a valuable link
between industry and the government enabling improved access and dialogue between both groups as
well as underpinning NSW emergency preparedness and response.
6.2.5.2 Industry Development within Horticulture Australia Limited.
Industry development within HAL is defined as ‘The process of informing and empowering those in
horticulture to make better business decisions‟. It encompasses all activities undertaken with the
intention of achieving adoption of R&D. It is HAL‟s aim, by 2011, to ensure that each of its member
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