LANDHOLDERS will be able to learn more about economic, productivity and environmental sustainability benefits of integrating forestry into farming systems at a special forum to be held in Wangaratta in June. The Murray Region Forestry Hub (MRFH), in partnership with the North East Catchment Management Authority, the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, and Rural City of Wangaratta Council is to run the free event on 27 June, from 9.30am to 3.30pm, at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre. MRFH spokesperson Carlie Porteous said the forum is aimed to ensure landholders get access to well researched information to make informed decisions about their own properties. This forum presents an opportunity for landowners to explore practical strategies for integrating trees into their farming practices, boosting both productivity and environmental sustainability. "More trees on land can have benefits for the landholder and broader community through flow on economic stimulus," she said. "We are very excited to provide the opportunity for the questions to be answered and to ensure landholders are connecting with the right people to aid the decision making process." Ms Porteous said the forum, Boost Your Farm’s Future: Unlock the Power of Trees for Productivity and Biodiversity, will provide farmers and landowners with factual information regarding the opportunities for trees on privately owned land, based on federally funded research outcomes from Hubs, Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA), Australian Forest & Wood Innovations (AFWI), and other key industry bodies. Forum topics include: • Setting the scene, why trees belong on land. • Growing Together: Navigating the investment and challenges of farm forestry in partnership with landowners. • Forestry/Biodiversity Plantings: Exploring the future of forestry and biodiversity plantings from an economic, social, and environmental perspective. • Case Study 1: Drawing perspective from a family farm experience. • Case Study 2: Presenting a case study on the role of forestry and biodiversity plantings in farming systems and emissions balance. • Economic Aspects: Discussing the economics of establishing a forestry development. Socio and regional contribution and market opportunity. • Turning Trees into Income: A simple guide to earning carbon credits on your land. • Risk Management: Managing risk in carbon projects; identifying key risks and pitfalls in plantation forestry carbon project structures. • Responsible forestry, biodiversity and the role of certification. Guest speakers include Andrew Morgan, co-founder and managing director of SFM, and co-founder of Hydrowood—a globally acclaimed venture that retrieves rare, high-value timbers from beneath Tasmania’s hydro lakes. Diana Gibbs, principal of Diana Gibbs & Partners (strategic planning and economic development consultants), and also holds part-time positions as director, Australian Forest Products Association, director, Australian Forest and Wood Innovation, and member, Native Vegetation Panel. Rod Keenan has a B. Sc. (Forestry) from the ANU and a PhD in forest ecology from University of British Columbia, with research interests in forests and climate change, forest ecosystem services and forest and environmental policy. He has undertaken research across Australia, in Canada, Papua New Guinea and in South East Asia. A networking session with drinks and canapes will follow the forum, from 3.30pm to 5pm. For more details, including free booking, go to https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1377917
