Dairy farmers from northern Victoria were last week encouraged to diversify their farm business with additional agricultural ventures to increase farm income and profitability, and re-use water.

Last Thursday at Kyabram DPI, dairy farmers learned of the benefits of the Sustainable Water System, which was developed by Sustainable Ventures with support from DPI.

The Sustainable Water System integrates into the existing farm and generates additional profits for farmers through the use of a variety of water sources.

While aquaculture is the most immediately available venture, there are other alternatives including hydroponics such as ornamental algae, vegetable and herbs, fodder and carbon offset.

Sustainability ventures codirector Ayal Marek described the products as niche, high-end markets.

Increased farm profitability, the ability to stay on farm, financial and technical support, ongoing advice and support, low energy and water consumption and a diversification of the farm business were among the benefits of the program outlined by co-directors Mr Marek and Peter Rubenstein.

Other advantages of the Sustainable Water System initiative outlined were constant research and development programs undertaken which gave farmers a competitive advantage, access to training and on-site analysis, low capital and implementation costs and access to the Sustainable Ventures supply chain so there was no need for farmers to search for their own markets.

Mr Marek said diminishing economic returns for farming and the impact of environmental and climate change meant farmers, particularly dairy farmers, would benefit from alternative ventures.

"There is a recognised need in the community because of diminishing incomes from traditional farm activities," Mr Marek said.

"It is not limited to dairy farmers but they are the group that has a real need at the moment for diversification."

Mr Rubenstein said the company was looking to establish a network of interested farmers in northern Victorian.

Farmers interested in joining the initiative will receive a site analysis to determine what sources of water are available and the climate conditions of the farm.

For more information on the Sustainable Water System go to www.sustainabilityventures.

com.au or phone 9510 0913.

rebecca.tampion@

sheppnews.com.au