Primary producers are invited to share their farming practices to help other producers improve on-farm efficiencies and water quality.

Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) Agricultural Industries and Sustainability Executive Director Dr Greg Robbins today released a consultation paper on this Reef Plan initiative to identify improved practices.

"If we can reduce sediment and nutrient run-off, then we maximise farm profitability through reduced erosion, improved soil health and productivity gains," Mr Robbins said.

"Over the past few years the industry has already done a lot of work by adopting sustainable land management practices.

"The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) has put together a list of these improved management practices that are already recognised within existing farm management systems for the sugarcane, horticulture and grazing industries.

"We want to build on and evaluate this list, so we're putting the call out to Queensland producers to share their ideas and experiences."

Dr Robbins said these practices would be validated for their water quality benefits and economic viability for the sector.

"This information will be made available so that producers can determine what suits their enterprise," he said.

"The final list of improved management practices, incorporating producers' comments, will be used to build a farming systems catalogue.

The new catalogue will be an online resource that lists practice recommendations for primary producers focusing on those that maintain farm productivity and improve the water quality coming off farms in the reef catchments.

"This new resource will provide information about the farm management options and systems, as validated by industry and natural resource management groups, to help producers improve their nutrient management, herbicide use and soil retention."

The consultation paper about the improved management practices can be downloaded from www.deedi.qld.gov.au under Agriculture, Environment and Sustainable Agriculture. If you have feedback on improved farming practices, or published research, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact 13 25 23 by Friday 16th December, 2011.

Reef Plan is a joint initiative of the Australian and Queensland Governments to help improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef (the Reef) lagoon within ten years.

News release | 11 November, 2011