Growers are increasingly worried about water availability and how government policies may affect their capacity to irrigate, according to a new report by the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre (MRIC) in collaboration with La Trobe University.
These two organisations are partners in the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (Vic Hub).
The report has highlighted the intricate web of factors, including technology, politics, economics, environment and culture, that shape irrigation decision-making among key agricultural industry players in the Mallee region.
Lead author Dr Natalie Araujo, a lecturer in Anthropology and Development Studies at La Trobe (the Vic Hub's Capacity Building partner), said the research not only provides critical insights into current challenges but also lays the foundation for future strategies aimed at enhancing water management practices.
"This research speaks to complex and intersecting experiences, values and knowledge which influence irrigation decision-making. It contributes to understanding what growers do in practice, how decision-making unfolds and why particular options emerge as more or less appealing in certain conditions," Dr Araujo said.
"Many study participants expressed enthusiasm for new technologies that could help decision-making and improve water management. However, they noted financial concerns, limitations in serviceability, challenges in upskilling, and inconsistent past experiences as barriers to adopting these innovations.
"This research points to key areas for investment and further exploration including around knowledge-sharing and innovation, but also individual and community wellbeing."
MRIC leads the North-West Irrigated Horticulture Node of the Vic Hub. Rebecca Wells, CEO of MRIC, cited the importance of drought preparedness.
"Business resilience and adoption of new practices, technologies and increased knowledge are all critical elements of drought preparedness," Rebecca said.
"Dr Araujo's work in the region builds a deeper understanding of what growers have done in previous dry seasons and droughts, and their knowledge will assist in informing how they can best respond in the future."
Dr Araujo's research reinforces the work undertaken in the Vic Hub (a program supported by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund). The Irrigation Decision Making and Innovation report will be launched at La Trobe's Mildura campus on 17 July.
It forms part of a visit by 12 researchers, across various disciplines, who've travelled north to continue the efforts of the University and key Vic Hub partners in building resilient farmers and communities against the impacts of drought.
Dr Tim Clune, La Trobe's Capacity Building lead, said this Mildura visit would enable researchers to form deeper relationships to support the development of activities.
"This is an excellent opportunity to share the aspirations and challenges presented by drought and a changing climate in these north-west communities," Dr Clune said.
"We have researchers with expertise in agronomy, water, food science, maths, climate change and archaeology, who'll be able to identify opportunities to deliver impact through locally focussed research, innovation and adoption."
MRIC and Birchip Cropping Group, the Hub's North-West Node, will host meetings and site visits with the La Trobe researchers over the two days. The group will develop broader relationships that can drive sustainable outcomes, with a tour of the SuniTAFE SmartFarm.
About the Vic Hub
The Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub (Vic Hub) links regional communities with the latest science and research to help strengthen drought preparedness.
It is a platform for exchanges of information, knowledge, technologies and networking with leading industry, community and academic stakeholders to drive the trials and adoption of innovations that will improve economic, environmental and social resilience to droughts and other extreme climatic events.
One of eight Hubs established nationally through the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund (FDF), the state-wide collaboration is led by the University of Melbourne, and includes five farming organisations (Birchip Cropping Group, Food & Fibre Gippsland, Mallee Regional Innovation Centre, Riverine Plains and Southern Farming Systems), four universities (UM, Deakin, Federation and La Trobe), and the State Government (through Agriculture Victoria).
