Providing advice and information:
The Association provides technical information and advice to industry on a wide range of topics
from agronomy and related issues to land management and farm development. Farm visits and
crop inspections can be arranged on request. Regular information days and seminars are held to
inform, advise and liaise with industry. The Association also produce technical information and
project reports that are available on our web site, electronically or in hard copy on request. Our
developing web site will eventually be a major source of technical information for industry. The
Association can also offer assistance and advice to those intending to invest in or enter the
industry by providing information on the unique nature of the physical environment and
agriculture in the Top End.
The Association has recently published the second edition of Striking the Balance in association with The NT Department of Resources. This is a major book that outlines sustainable agricultural and grazing practices in the Top End and will be available to all members when released in early 2010.
Working with industry to address key issues:
The Association strives to work closely with industry on key production issues and address these
through projects involving applied and participative research, development and extension.
Our two main projects, Control of Native Vegetation Regrowth (1) and Sustainable Irrigation (2) are
externally funded through the Federal Government’s Caring for our Country program.
Sourcing
external funding for projects to assist industry is a critical aspect of our work. These projects
involve stakeholders from the onset with all of the work being undertaken on producer's
properties.
Field days, farm walks, seminars, visiting experts and local producers are all used in
extending information and learning from the respective projects.
Lobbying and advising government:
The role of the Association is to lobby government and address and respond to policies that affect the development of primary industry and agribusiness in the NT.
The Association also provides advice to government and ministers on issues such as land clearing and biodiversity, weed and land management, research and development, water policy and allocation issues and climate change.
The Association has representation on various ministerial and government committees such as the Daly River Management Advisory Committee, the Katherine Regional Weed Management Committee and the Territory EcoLink project.
The Association also works closely with the NT Business Industry Council, the NT Cattlemen’s Association and the NT Horticultural Association, all of which lobby and provide advice to Government on a wide range of issues from roads and infrastructure to investment in R&D, training and industry support.
Community activities
The Association and its members strive to contribute to the community is ways that will hopefully make a difference.
The Association sponsors a small bursary for a student of Charles Darwin University who is studying agriculture. The bursary assists with study expenses during the year.
The Association aims to offer a similar award to a high school student who exhibits a passion and talent for agricultural studies.
Association members also donate hay to Riding for the Disabled in Darwin which assists in reducing the costs associated with feeding the centres horses and ponies.
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