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Crookwell and Riverina industry field trip

  • Newsletter
  • Plants
  • Biosecurity
5 May 2024

Over 20 staff from the department, including some from the Plant Protection Office went on a three-day industry field tour of Crookwell and the Riverina facilitated both by AUSVEG, the industry representative body for vegetable and potato growers and Chris Percival from the Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division within the department.

Image of Departmental staff visit to Rinaland farm with Gary Snaidero to see pumpkin and citrus production
Departmental staff visit to Rinaland farm with Gary Snaidero to see pumpkin and citrus production

The tour was a key stakeholder engagement tool to build and strengthen relationships between industry and government, providing up-close exposure for those in policy roles to see and learn from farming businesses. Departmental staff gained a deeper understanding of industry challenges, including supply chain issues, market access, climate change and management of biosecurity risks. Staff were able to learn firsthand about the importance of good on-farm biosecurity and pest management practices.

Image of Gary Kadwell in red from Kadwell & Co Gourmet Potatoes farm in Crookwell explaining regenerative farming to departmental staff.
Gary Kadwell in red from Kadwell & Co Gourmet Potatoes farm in Crookwell explaining regenerative farming to departmental staff.

“These field visits were a great learning opportunity to get exposure to the horticulture industry, particularly for those staff that did not have an agricultural background,” said Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith.

The tour provided valuable insights into soil health, environmental sustainability, regenerative agriculture and intensive farming systems. Staff visited and learnt about:

  • Sustainable and regenerative farming at Kadwell & Co Gourmet Potatoes in Crookwell;
  • Intensive vegetable, fruit and cucurbit farming at Rombola, Harvest Moon and Rinaland farms in the Riverina; and
  • Irrigated cotton production and land management practices in the Riverina

Staff also visited the Biosecurity Training Centre at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga to learn about the vision and purpose of the centre to provide operational biosecurity training to build a capable biosecurity workforce across the Asia-Pacific.

Image of departmental staff at Harvest Moon farm, viewing baby spinach production.
At Harvest Moon farm viewing baby spinach production.

The team came back with a better understanding of the challenges of farming including on-farm food waste due to a lack of acceptance of nutritious and edible food that looks imperfect from the supply chain. Policy makers and regulators developed a deeper appreciation of the excellence and innovation of Australian growers that efficiently produce quality food for national and international markets.

Image of departmental staff learning about irrigated cotton farming from Justin Vardanega from Local Land Services. The cotton farm was operated by the Irrigation Research & Extension Committee.
Learning about irrigated cotton farming from Justin Vardanega from Local Land Services. The cotton farm was operated by the Irrigation Research & Extension Committee.

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Page last updated: 20 June 2024

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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