NDSP - WA farmers to be worth their salt

WA farmers to be 'worth their salt'

21-05-2002

Roman soldiers were paid in salt, giving us the modern word 'salary'.

Now Western Australian farmers have the opportunity to explore their ideas about how to increase their returns from salinity with the national Land, Water & Wool Sustainable Grazing from Saline Land program being launched in Western Australia.

The Sustainable Grazing from Saline Land (SGSL) program, a component of the Land, Water & Wool initiative between Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) and Land & Water Australia, will be worth about $8 million nationally over five years. It includes financial support from Meat and Livestock Australia.

The program provides producer groups with funding and technical support to initiate their own salinity research aimed at improving productivity from grazing saline land.

WA network project leader, Justin Hardy from the Department of Agriculture, said the new program aimed to turn saline land into a profitable asset using the practical ideas and know-how of producers combined with the technical knowledge of scientists.

"Traditionally, most landholders regard saline land as a liability, although a small number of individuals have proved the opposite," he said.

"Through the SGSL program, we are seeking to support those groups of wool and sheep producers who want to validate their positive experiences or test new ideas for making grazing on saline land more productive, profitable and sustainable."

Land, Water & Wool is now seeking expressions of interest from producer groups who want to get involved in research into the better use of saline land for grazing.

Assistance is also available for groups who may have sound ideas but require help to determine their exact local needs and the areas of research that may best be pursued.

About 20 projects covering a wide range of areas and grazing themes in the South West region will initially be selected. Existing producer groups will be targeted for participation following strong messages from producers during early stage consultation," Mr Hardy said.

Technical assistance and financial support will be provided to groups participating in the Land, Water & Wool Sustainable Grazing from Saline Land program, with average expenditure of up to $10,000 available for individual projects.

Individual farmers will not be able to apply for funding to support their own research, but are encouraged to join the SGSL network so they can share information with other producers and producer groups in the network.

For an information sheet, expression of interest form or for further details, producers can telephone the free Cropline number on 1800 068 107.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Please contact Land & Water Australia
Email: land&wateraustralia@lwa.gov.au
Phone: 02 6263 6000