Published: 09th November 2024


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Sustainable Farms 2018-2023: Achievements & Outcomes

An independent evaluation of Sustainable Farms highlights the significant achievements and contributions of the initiative over the past six years.

Since the establishment of Sustainable Farms by the Australian National University in 2018, the initiative has aimed to apply scientific evidence to achieve better outcomes for biodiversity on farms. An independent evaluation conducted by First Person Consulting, shows how far we’ve come in meeting our vision of “Healthy Farmers, Healthy Farms, Healthy Profits”.

The evaluation, conducted by First Person Consulting, measured Sustainable Farms’ impact against three strategic goals:

  1. Undertake innovative multidisciplinary research that informs recommendations for the management of natural assets on farms
  2. Increase landholder knowledge and adoption of enhanced natural asset management practices
  3. Support the capacity of the NRM sector to support farmers to improve management practices

The evaluation found that Sustainable Farms fills a critical gap in the NRM sector by combining rigorous, long-term scientific research with the ability to translate findings into practical, locally relevant material. Sustainable Farms is highly valued by its stakeholders as a key bridge between university research, agricultural extension and impact on the ground.

Highlights from the past 6 years include engaging with over 13,000 people at more than 200 events, working with over 100 NRM and Landcare organisations, producing 42 educational resources, and publishing over 60 research papers and seven books.

“We are very grateful to the landholders, Landcare groups and NRM organisations who have embraced our work, helping us to build knowledge, skills, practice change and capacity across the sector,” says director Michelle Young.

“Something we are particularly proud of was hearing about how well respected and trusted Sustainable Farms staff are amongst landholders and organisations in the NRM sector.”

As Sustainable Farms looks to the future, the report emphasises the importance of continued support and stable long-term funding to sustain these achievements. The next steps include exploring the policy implications of the program’s work to ensure that private landholders can benefit from biodiversity improvements that achieve lasting, landscape-level impact.

CLICK HERE to view the summary report.


Published: 09th November 2024


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