Sustainable Agriculture
Why sustainable agriculture matters
Sustainable land management is essential in the Northern and Yorke region, where more than 80% of the landscape supports agricultural enterprises. The region's diverse soils, climates, industries and production systems present both opportunities and challenges for land managers. Caring for natural assets such as soil, water and biodiversity is fundamental to maintaining productive, profitable and resilient farming businesses now and into the future.
The Board supports landholders and agribusinesses to continually improve their management practices, adapt to current conditions and build resilience to a changing climate.
Managing our soils
Healthy soils are the foundation of sustainable agricultural production. Understanding soil types, capabilities and constraints is critical to long-term profitability and environmental stewardship.
Key soil challenges in the region include wind and water erosion, soil acidity, salinity, and limitations in nutrient and water-holding capacity. Addressing these constraints can improve farm productivity while delivering broader environmental benefits.
The Board delivers extension programs and works closely with farming groups, researchers and industry partners to support best-practice soil management and the adoption of innovative farming techniques.
Sustainable agriculture also extends beyond soil management to include nature-based solutions such as shelterbelts, cover crops, green firebreaks, revegetation and biodiversity-friendly farming practices that contribute to healthier and more resilient production systems.
New opportunities
Emerging environmental markets and sustainability initiatives are creating new opportunities for landholders to generate value from the stewardship of natural assets.
Areas of increasing interest include carbon farming, the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, the Nature Repair Market, natural capital accounting, environmental reporting and programs that reward sustainable land management and emissions reduction.
The Board provides information, extension services and decision-support tools to help landholders understand these opportunities and make informed choices that support both farm productivity and environmental outcomes.
Productive land and healthy ecosystems.
In this region, the two go hand-in-hand.
Sustainable agriculture
ADAPTIVE | RESILIENT | PRODUCTIVE
Objective: Resilient, sustainable agriculture
- Integrated mosaic landscapes of native vegetation and productive agriculture.
- A proportion of every farm dedicated to biodiversity.
- Healthy soils, supporting production and sequestering carbon.
- Sustainable farming practices supported by market incentives and spatial planning.
- Stable resourcing for conservation and farming transitions; equitable sharing of biodiversity and carbon credit benefits.
- Technology and data for real-time monitoring and decision-making.
- Secure, reliable and economically viable food and fibre production throughout the region, supporting regional communities.