FARMING: Chemical use and safety on flower farms
The SFN was recently part of an Australian industry collaboration to support New South Wales cut flower growers to adopt more sustainable practices and strengthen their resilience to natural disasters.
About the project: Reducing plastics and chemicals in NSW’s cut flower industry
In early 2021, severe storms and floods across NSW caused widespread damage to many agricultural regions; this included the contamination of waterways with plastics and agricultural chemicals. In response, the NSW cut flower industry identified a need for greater support to help growers adopt more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.
To address this challenge, RMCG Agricultural Consultancy worked collaboratively with key industry groups, including Flower Growers Group of NSW, Protected Cropping Australia and WildFlowers Australia and the Sustainable Floristry Network to:
- Raise awareness of sustainable best practices
- Reduce the use of single-use plastics and chemicals in flower production
- Build resilience against natural disasters and the effects of a changing climate.
Through targeted education, extension activities and industry collaboration, this project resulted in of a wide variety of online resources that will be of interest to both Australian flower farmers, as well as growers internationally. The page below highlights some of the videos made by the SFN for the project, as well links to further resources hosted on the RMCG website.
This project was delivered by on behalf of AgriFutures Australia, with funding from the Australian and NSW Governments’ Storm and Flood Industry Recovery program.
Storing chemicals safely
This video is a guide for storing chemicals safely in Australia and preventing accidents that might impact people or the environment.
Fact sheets
Agricultural chemical safety: SPRAYING
Reducing chemical use in agriculture is critical for creating sustainable farming systems. Choosing what and when to spray is only part of the job. Following safe chemical handling and application procedures protects you, others, and the environment.
Fact sheet
Fertigation
Fertigation is the practice of delivering nutrients to a horticultural crop through an irrigation system. The practice is widely used in greenhouse crops, hydroponics, orchards, vineyards and high-value field crops. This video explores how fertigation works, the systems growers commonly use, and best practices to keep the process running efficiently.
