What environmental challenges face the horticulture industry in the North East Wet/Dry Tropics?
The HRDC Report surveyed state agencies and selected key stakeholder/ industry representatives. This survey was intended to provide an indication of regional and industry environmental issues. On the basis of the responses received to the survey, the main environmental challenges facing the horticulture industry as identified by the extension officers are: • soil loss; • chemical accumulation in soil; • nutrient levels and availability; • soil acidity levels; • removal of native bushland; • removal of riparian vegetation; • options for storing farm chemicals; and • options for disposing of chemical container. The main environmental challenge facing the horticulture industry in this region as identified by growers is organic matter/soil structure decline.
