TURF AUSTRALIA UPDATE

By Jenny Zadro, Market Development Manager, Turf Australia

Turf Australia

“Innovation is key for the ongoing success of any industry and it is great to see the development of turf species that can support the ever-changing climate and needs of consumers.”

The turf industry has been fortunate to see a silver lining during a time that has seen many other industries struggle. Whilst consumers have rediscovered the importance of having a yard where they can feel comfortable and safe in their homes, the challenge will be to continue to remind them that this love of their home lawn is an important aspect of their own health and wellness moving forward, regardless of restrictions.

At Turf Australia we will continue to spread the message of benefits of natural turf, particularly through the National Market Development Project where there will be a strong focus on decision makers and specifiers so that community spaces always include natural turf.

Turf Australia continues to work closely with Hort Innovation on the turf levy funded projects and the direction for future projects, ensuring grower levy funds are invested in areas that will support growers and the industry. We will continue to provide updates and outcomes from projects and there have been some great results from recently completed projects. The project that confirmed natural turf as a bushfire retardant and the project that provided scientific evidence that every square metre of living turf removes 2.5kg of carbon dioxide from our air. This information and other resources are available to growers and the wider turf industry on the updated Turf Australia website and is updated regularly.

The importance of collaboration continues to be a strong focus to ensure that the turf industry is recognised in a wider community and there are more opportunities to promote research and the many benefits of turf as well as look at joint opportunities to develop the long term professionalism and education of the industry. This work has seen some good progress within other greenspace industries and will continue to be developed. Following the Turf Australia AGM in November, the board will review its strategic plan and direction moving forward. This planning process will review operations, opportunities and goals and provide a clear direction for the organisation in the coming years. Hopefully 2021 will see the opportunity for many growers and the wider industry to come together for events. The chance to network with others is quite often as important as learning from presentations. Turf Australia will review events for next year, in the coming months, including Women in Turf and the NxGen Conference and the Turf Australia national event.

An ongoing important aspect of the work at Turf Australia is ensuring we support members. This role is from a national and state-based aspect. The membership funds are split with the state associations to assist them manage local issues and work directly with you. We will continue to review and develop member benefits, but one significant benefit of membership is independent industry advocacy. Having a strong voice for all growers has seen good outcomes, particularly during challenging times such as drought and Covid19.

Innovation is key for the ongoing success of any industry and it is great to see the development of turf species that can support the ever-changing climate and needs of consumers. As the industry juggles the issue of supply and demand during this strong sales period, it is important to continually consider all aspects of production and management of your valuable resource. Learning from others and considering good farming practices that will develop long term strong turf crops, will see an industry that can manage the multitude of challenges that are likely to be faced in the years ahead.

Members are welcome to contact Turf Australia for any support needed or suggestions of how we can assist you and the industry.