Agriculture

Activities in the agricultural sector will be undertaken in 4 streams:

• Biodiversity-compatible good management practices developed and used. The Programme, to build on the strength of existing research, will work with groups of landholders in specific areas to test ways of accommodating biodiversity needs in production practices. Demonstration of rangeland management strategies that are successful from both a biodiversity outcomes and an economic perspective is critical to raising awareness of the role and importance of biodiversity to agricultural sustainability. This will be implemented in the Wakkerstroom demonstration area and replicated through incorporation into policy guidelines.
• Conservation stewardship arrangements in place. Conservation stewardship on private and communal land is critical to secure and sustain grassland biodiversity in agricultural production areas. Stewardship, underpinned by incentives, involves the wise use, management and protection of natural resources by private and communal landowners.
• Biodiversity-friendly livestock/game production systems promoted through certification scheme. Working in collaboration with the retail sector and livestock industry associations, the Grasslands Programme will facilitate development of certification systems for biodiversity compatible beef, mutton and/or game with a view to recognising good environmental management practice.
• Incorporating biodiversity into agricultural policies, guidelines and decision making. There are a range of agricultural policies, guidelines and decision making processes that impact directly on biodiversity, but do not adequately take it into account. A range of issues will be addressed such as authorisations for the ploughing or clearance of natural vegetation as required by CARA and NEMA regulations; controlling stocking densities; protection of water sources, wetlands and rivers; subdivision of agricultural land; and fire regulation. The programme will also engage with government and industry bodies on macro-level policy issues such as the bio-fuel strategy.

Click here for details of the Agriculture Sector outputs and targets for the 5 year period.