One of the desired adaptation outcomes for Australian horticulture is the existence of resilient and adaptive horticultural production systems which are less vulnerable to climate change and climate variability. 

One of the priorities for Australian Horticulture in achieving this desired outcome will be to identify and build on successful strategies of adaptation by the horticultural sector to climate changes already experienced. 

The CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems publication – “An overview of the adaptive capacity of the Australian agricultural sector to climate change – options, costs and benefits” (Mark Howden et al) has identified priorities for climate change adaptation strategies for Australian horticulture and viticulture sectors based on identified knowledge gaps and other criteria documented in the report, including:

• Change varieties so they are suited for future conditions and re-assess industry location
• Research on altering management to change bud burst, canopy density etc in fruit trees
• Undertake risk assessment to assess sustainability in more marginal areas (e.g. chilling requirements)
• Change varieties grown in a region and look for new sites
• Undertake risk assessment to assess sustainability in more marginal areas
• Analyse chilling requirement
• Assess orchard/vine management needed for CO2-induced increased growth and changed water requirements
• Assess vine and water management to reduce variability in yield and quality
• Modify management of the inter-row environment

Change to management practices will also need to be identified as part of any adaption recommendations. Adoption of these new practices will require, amongst other things 1) confidence that the climate really is changing, 2) the motivation to change to avoid risks or use opportunities, 3) demonstrated technologies to enable change to occur, 4) support during transitions to new management or new land use, and 5) altered transport and market infrastructure (Mark Howden et al, 2007).

The CSIRO report also noted that for an effective adaptation and industry engagement additional information is required by sector - including amongst other things, importance of industry sector, sensitivity to climate changes, exposure to significant climate changes, capacity to adapt, existing knowledge base and synergies with other issues/policies.

There will always be uncertainty in future climate scenarios. Modelling of future climate scenarios has been done for regions across Australia by Australian Government, through the then Australian Greenhouse Office and Department of Climate Change. However, there has been limited application of this information for the horticulture industry. While there is still some uncertainty with the global climate systems and some models, there is still a need to undertake assessment of vulnerability with the view that it be used for improving future industry planning.

Actions addressed by this priority, are intended to answer the question:
“Do horticulture producers (and their advisors) have appropriate tools and an understanding of climate change and variability issues, to avoid the risks and/or take advantage of the opportunities of a variable and changing climate?”

The Horticulture Climate Change Action Plan will be implemented through the HAL Environment Portfolio, in consultation and on behalf of industry. To achieve this there is a need to focus on empowering industry leaders, facilitating meaningful partnerships, encouraging innovation and adoption of research, informing policy and positioning the industry.