Melbourne Water’s Climate-Smart Agriculture project is empowering farmers to trial and adopt practices that boost productivity and landscape health, while protecting vital soils and improving biodiversity.
Supported by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust, the project will engage over 500 farmers across the Port Phillip and Western Port region through on farm trials, workshops, and peer learning activities.
Trials are testing a suite of agroecological approaches—including biological fertilisers, multispecies cover crops, Natural Sequence Farming and EcoVineyard techniques—paired with targeted plantings to attract beneficial invertebrates. Each site includes monitoring to demonstrate benefits for soil condition, pasture performance, biodiversity, and reduced runoff.
This project reflects strong collaboration across agriculture, Landcare, and local government. By scaling proven practices, Melbourne Water aims to strengthen farm resilience, protect catchments and support sustainable, productive food bowl for Victoria.
Supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
“The Climate-Smart Agriculture program is a clear example of how we can support farmers to be leaders in climate-smart and sustainable agriculture, while also strengthening Australia’s agricultural future.”
Image: Minister Julie Collins MP and Senator Lisa Darmanin join Melbourne Water, farmers, local government, and Landcare to officially launch the Climate-Smart Agriculture project in the Port Phillip and Western Port region.
Photo credit: Sharon Blance.
