NSW vegetable resilience protected cropping program
The NSW Vegetable Resilience Protected Cropping Program supported the recovery and resilience of growers in NSW who were affected by floods and severe weather events.
The program aimed to increase growers' resilience to storms and floods by adopting protected cropping systems. Activities included farm visits and workshops. Growers were also provided with online and printed resources covering irrigation, nutrient management, pest control and business planning.
About 30 primary producers received tailored support, including on-farm visits to assess damage and advise on water quality and nutrient recycling. Workshops focused on accessing government funding and using tools like nutrient management spreadsheets to equip growers with skills for recovery, preparedness and long-term resilience.
Activities were carried out in the Coffs Harbour region and the Sydney Basin, totaling 7 workshops and several educational initiatives.
The program was funded by the Early Needs Recovery Program and managed by Protected Cropping Australia (PCA).
Landholder case study – Cheyne Clarke bounces back and builds confidence
The February 2022 floods significantly impacted Cheyne Clarke's protected cropping farm in Woolgoolga, New South Wales. Positioned on a slope with a main road in front, the farm experienced severe stormwater runoff that brought debris and silt, flooding the main cropping area, contaminating the irrigation storage dam and blocking drainage points. The flooding led to significant financial and mental strain on Cheyne and threatened the viability of his enterprise.
Protected cropping Australia takes action
Supported by the Early Needs Recovery Program, Protected Cropping Australia helped Cheyne by advising on property clean-up, removing debris and silt, and preventing disease spread in the existing crop. They also recommended chemical treatments for the contaminated irrigation dam to settle the silt and guided restructuring of the farm entrance to channel future stormwater away, reducing flood damage risks.
Improvements and resilience building
Protected Cropping Australia's support allowed Cheyne to quickly recover and save his existing crop, ensuring continuous production and income. He adopted a closed irrigation system that recycles water and nutrients, achieving significant savings of about 30% on water and fertiliser costs while minimising the risk of nutrient-rich runoff during future floods.
Additionally, drone technology was used to clean the greenhouse roof, which allowed more light to reach the crops, helping them grow better. This support boosted Cheyne's confidence in his farming, leading to a quick recovery and making the farm more resilient to future challenges.