PROJECT

Orchard Resilience

Project Overview

Over the course of three years, Soils for Life will be working with regional partners to support and grow the capacity of Australian growers to build soil health and climate resilience in perennial horticulture. RegenWA is the WA delivery partner, working alongside a grower in Donnybrook to support a demonstration site, delivering a peer learning program, and hosting two field days to extend learning.

Project Aims

The project will support the adoption of practices that build soil health and climate resilience, such as:

Interrow cover cropping
Agroecological integrated pest management
Composts, biofertilisers & biostimulants
Pollinator-friendly practices
Irrigation & soil moisture management
Enterprise diversification and integrating grazing
Soil, crop & ecosystem monitoring

Project Deliverables

Demonstration sites showcasing the production, financial, ecological and social benefits of practices that build soil health.
In-depth case studies capturing the stories, decisions, outcomes and data from leading dairy farmers implementing climate smart practices and building soil health.
Practice guides offering step-by-step ‘how-to’ guidance, practical tips on getting started and regional insights.
Field days to provide a wider group of farmers to see tested practices on the ground, hear directly from the farmers and explore the practicalities, challenges and benefits of trying new approaches
Webinars with expert presenters, farmers insights and Q&A sessions.
Peer learning opportunities providing practical training and knowledge building in a group setting, and connections to relevant specialists.
Podcasts offering accessible, on-the-go conversations exploring ideas, challenges and real-world experiences.
Collaboration with First Nations partner, Native Foodways, to embed Indigenous knowledge, support Indigenous producers, contribute to demonstration sites and field days, and facilitate peer learning and cultural knowledge exchange across the project.