The Otway Agroforestry Network encourages and supports local farmers to design and implement revegetation projects for the reasons that matter to them. Otway landholders want trees on their farms to shelter stock, control erosion and dryland salinity, attract native birds, enhance property values and, if at all possible, to generate income.
Set up by local farmers with government support in 1993, the Otway Agroforestry Network is a not-for-profit community organisation striving to encourage the wider adoption of commercial vegetation management as an integral component of more productive and environmentally sustainable farming. We are fortunate that the Federal and State Governments, along with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, recognise the public benefits that our trees provide the community. Improved water quality in our streams, the conservation of our unique flora and fauna and the promise of alternative timber sources, make well managed trees on farms a good story for rural communities and the nation as a whole.
The Otway Agroforestry Network is recognised as a national leader in community development of innovative and multipurpose forests on farms. By involving farmers in the design and management of trees for conservation and profit, landscape change occurs in a way that reflects the interests and aspirations of the local community. The environment services and commercial products our multipurpose forests provide the wider community are being recognised by governments, industry and the catchment authority.
We encourage all members of the Otway community to participate in our programs over the coming years and welcome members to contribute their own ideas and consider working for our local community group.