2. Strategies to promote trees on farms

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Abstract
Over two thirds of Australia's woodland and forests have been cleared for conversion to agriculture and pasture since 1965. Programs to combat tree decline, particularly to retain and restore native vegetation are urgently needed to maintain the productivity of much of Australia's farmlands. Such efforts to date have been reviewed. Incentive schemes promoting trees on farms have concentrated on tree planting although we argue that retention of existing vegetation may be a better option in many cases. As with incentive schemes for private timber production, many schemes have been ineffective because of a failure to appreciate the landowners' financial situation and the bases of existing land use. Although there are vast regional differences throughout Australia, many farmers are now actively interested in forestry to sustain and improve agricultural productivity, to minimise land degradation and enhance environmental values. We propose a system of financial, technical and social support for such landowners, and an advisory/information service for those who still see trees as an obstacle to agricultural development. The greatest need for private forestry action now may not be for more commercial afforestation for the production of industrial timber, but for forms of forestry integrated with land management and farming systems in which timber might be just a minor byproduct.

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