A national forum, convened by the Department of Primary Industries Victoria, was held at Rutherglen on 20-21 July 2005. The purpose of the forum was to capture new knowledge and explore engagement strategies and capacity-building opportunities for the small lifestyle farm sector. The papers from the forum included here are: Engaging small lifestyle farmers in...

Rural and farming populations in Australia have above average rates of premature morbidity and mortality through heart disease, cancer and suicide. The Sustainable Farm Families (SFF) project is designed to influence farmers' behaviours with respect to health, safety and wellbeing. This report presents the results of an economic evaluation of SFF. The report analyses four...

In Australia, diversification is being implemented by farming families and promoted by extension personnel to build economic resilience to maintain rural landscapes and communities in the face of increasing financial and environmental pressures. The purpose of this report is to gain a better understanding of why farming families diversify their on-farm activities and what the...

This study considers the extent and nature of professional isolation in rural and remote regions of Australia (specifically Queensland and Western Australia) and examines professionals' use of the internet to support their professional development needs. It draws upon survey and interview data from 10 professions, and makes conclusions and recommendations based on the views and...

The report describes the entry paths by which people commonly take up a career in farming and discusses some of the problems which may compromise a successful entry into farming. Programs and policy approaches used overseas to deal with these problems are reviewed, and the implications for Australian educational provision discussed.