LTT – Horticulture project 

 

Partnership drives innovation in drought resilience of perennial tree crops

 

The Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (Vic Hub) brought together research and industry partners in Mildura for the first face-to-face meeting of the $7.8 million tree survival signatures project, marking an important early step in the five-year initiative to strengthen drought resilience across Victoria’s horticultural industry.

Part of the national Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Program funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund (which also supports the Vic Hub), the project is focused on developing practical tools and guidelines to help growers make confident decisions when water is constrained.

The two-day gathering convened project partners from The University of Melbourne, Agriculture Victoria, the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre (MRIC) and Federation University to discuss the project’s aims, examine early progress and explore how each research stream fits together.

A visit to one of the trial sites gave the project team a closer look at how hyperspectral airborne sensors, thermal imaging and ground-based sensing technologies are being used to monitor crop responses to water stress.

Vic Hub Director, Dr Sara Hely, said having the partners come together early in the project was vital.

“Starting a long-term project with the project partners, industry representatives and our Vic Hub team in the same room, sets the tone for how we work together,” Dr Hely said.

“This is practical research that will translate to real decisions on farms. Taking the time now to understand how each partner contributes, how the research streams connect and where the biggest opportunities lie means we’re starting from a place of clarity and shared purpose.”

Industry representatives from the Almond Board of Australia, Fruit Growers Victoria and Summerfruit Australia contributed valuable insights during the meeting, highlighting how drought impacts their growers and pragmatic considerations for the project.

“Growers are the ones managing the pressure when water is short during drought. Their lived experience keeps this work grounded and ensures the tools we produce are genuinely useful,” she said.

As the project progresses, the Vic Hub will host opportunities for growers and industry stakeholders to connect with the project and help shape the practical value of the work.

 

 

 

 

This project was funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Program.

 

The partners in this project are all partners in the Vic Hub.