AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCES OF FARM FORESTRY

Farm forestry is increasingly promoted in many countries as a land-use option which is likely to provide benefits in terms of improving the viability of agriculture, developing additional timber resources for i ndustry, and enhancing regional development. This paper draws upon exp eriences of farm forestry in Australia to identify some lessons for it s development that may be relevant to other countries. The paper provi des an overview of farm forestry in the Australian context and reports on a recent review of leading case studies to provide some insights i nto means of future development. Three case studies are included to il lustrate the diverse nature, and multiple benefits sought, of farm for estry. The important requirements of landholders pioneering farm fores try relate to: managing risks, participating in research and developme nt, contributing to information exchange, addressing key farm issues, developing in-depth farm knowledge, establishing links with government and/or industry, and contributing to long-term community values.