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Sustainable development of the planet
and the ways we feed and clothe the population are major issues
facing today's world. We require expertise in food and fibre
production, food technology, sustainable management of natural
resources, the welfare of native and domestic animals, and the
way in which we use the natural environment in leisure and
recreational activities.
Agriculture and horticulture specialists will face some of
the greatest challenges in the 21st century. They will need to
assist in the provision of food and fibre products for a rapidly
growing population - products that are needed for a quality life
while maintaining a healthy planet. This will be an exciting
time for these people as they face the problems associated with
achieving these objectives.
Australia is well-placed to provide education and training in
all areas of agriculture and horticulture. Very extensive
agricultural and horticultural industries have developed in
Australia since the early days of settlement. People involved in
the industries have adapted to a wide range of climatic and
other environmental conditions. This adaptation is underpinned
with world-class research and education carried out by dedicated
scientists and educators. Much of what has been learnt in
Australia can be applied to other countries throughout the
world, and Australia in turn has learnt much from other
countries.
Considerable changes are occurring in agriculture and
horticulture. No longer can operators of farming
enterprises : see their contribution as a 'way of life'.
They must operate their enterprises as businesses, becoming
aware of competition and adapting accordingly. Globalisation in
these sectors has become important as Australian producers look
to other parts of the world to export their products. They must
also be aware of the desires and demands of other sections of
the population. As countries develop and more people become
educated, the attentions of those people are turned towards
'quality of life' issues - which includes the quality of the
food they eat.
For instance, demands are developing for 'clean and green'
produce. Consumers demand to know what pesticides and other
chemicals have been used to produce their food. Scientists and
educators have responded by developing alternative ways of
managing pests and diseases in agricultural and horticultural
products, such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). There is
also a strong and sustained interest in organic farming, and the
welfare of animals in intensive production enterprises. These
issues are matched by the development of quality assurance
programs for the production of agricultural and horticultural
products. It is now possible to track a product from the field
where it was grown to the consumer's dinner plate, and know how
the product was treated from planting to sale. The attention of
communities has also been directed towards preservation of the
natural environment, and those involved in agriculture and
horticulture can play an important part in these contemporary
issues. Land degradation in Australia is being addressed
by Landcare organisations interested in re-vegetation and
halting the loss of valuable topsoil in farming areas. The
quantity and quality of water available for farming and, for
that matter, urban populations throughout the world, is an
important issue. Water is a scarce resource in Australia, the
continent being one of the driest in the world. Management of
our water resources is paramount. to the success of agricultural
and horticultural enterprises. Australia is playing an important
part in determining the most efficient ways of using this
resource. Issues such , as salinity and water reuse are being
confronted, and cooperation from users to policy-makers is being
sought.
Students looking at Australia to further their education in
the agricultural and horticultural sectors can be assured that
universities with these areas in their educational profile will
provide them with a world class education suitable for the new
Millennium.
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University
of Queensland
University of Queensland
St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
+617 3365-1111
Web: www.uq.edu.au
enquiries@admin.uq.edu.au
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