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Agricultural Development Partnership ADP
The regional Agricultural Development Partnership (ADP) program commenced during 2001-02 and concluded on 30 June 2005.
The objectives of the ADP program included:
- assist regional communities to further develop the competitiveness and sustainability of their agricultural industries
- allow agricultural industries to identify adjustment issues and better position themselves for sustainability and future development
- encourage diversification, innovation, improved natural resource management and facilitated cultural change, and
- greater market focus and involvement in the supply chain process.
Key components of the ADP program included:
- each project was tailored to suit each region
- local communities had a major role in designing the activities, and
- Australian Government funding for each project was matched on a dollar for dollar basis by the states.
The five projects below were approved and funded, to a total of $1.425m by the Australian Government. The largest project represented an investment of $525 000 by the Australian Government.
There were a variety of projects undertaken by the program, some of these included:
Development of a Horticultural Centre of Excellence north of Adelaide
The ‘Northern Adelaide Plains’ ADP project enabled a greater understanding of horticulture industry trends and issues among farmers in the region. Several meetings were held between community members and industry to facilitate information exchange. The use of the internet as an information and networking source has been promoted and communicated. Project activities were also specifically tailored to meet the demographic and social needs of the community, for example, preparing flyers, brochures and information packs in numerous languages. Community skilling was also enabled by developing a training and skills development strategy; carrying out an industry need analysis; and offering a range of courses to producers in the region such as business management, horticulture, and environmental management systems.
Competitive, diversified and sustainable agriculture on Kangaroo Island – South Australia
The ‘Kangaroo Island’ ADP project enhanced the skills and knowledge of producers through workshops on supply chain initiatives to market meat, wool and other products. Workshops were also conducted to enable improved biosecurity and quarantine measures as well as promoting the role and use of environmental management systems.
Agricultural supply chain initiatives in the North East Agricultural Region of WA
The ‘North Eastern Agricultural Region’ ADP project enabled numerous feasibility studies to be undertaken of various projects aimed at diversifying and strengthening the North Eastern Agricultural community. The completed feasibility studies have been compiled into a master document and are seen as an important stepping-stone for the region’s future diversification, sustainability and longevity. The ADP also enabled the development of a new brand to promote the region’s agricultural roots and potential growth: WA’s Growing Quarter. Presented with a positioning statement “nature's elements in harmony”, WA’s Growing Quarter brand will help promote the region for its natural richness and agricultural successes.
Sustainable and enhanced dairy production in South Australia
The ‘South East Dairy’ ADP project contained a number of measures for capacity and capability development. This included undertaking a training needs analysis, leadership programs, and priority training activities. Best practice information packs were distributed to farmers and linked into initiatives under farmers networks and groups; while case study farms were also established and regular visits undertaken for others to learn from peer success.
Agricultural business skills development in the Rangelands of South Australia
The ‘Developing Sustainable Rangelands’ ADP project was developed in response to an identified need for business plans and skills to ensure the ongoing sustainability of pastoral businesses within the region. A survey of pastoralists in the region identified a need for: financial planning, managing employees, sheep nutrition, lamb reproduction/ weaning, and feed lotting. Workshop and training activities were undertaken to meet this demand. Due to the geographical isolation of many producers, a website was set up to provide and information base, gateway and linkages.
Further information on the ADP program outcomes can be obtained from the:
Welfare and Adjustment Section
Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2600
Email: AAA
Fax: 02 6272 4414