Maintaining acceptable control of pests through sustainable pest management practices is a key focus area for VegNET South-East Queensland.

Following industry discussions on pest resilient landscapes and the publication of industry sustainability frameworks, Regional Development Officer Darren Brown investigated how the Lockyer Valley is balancing the competing demands of productive farms and environmental sustainability.

The recent findings of a vegetable levy funded research project, Field and landscape management to support beneficial arthropods for IPM on vegetable farms (VG16062) was also discussed.

VegNET South-East Queensland will continue to raise awareness of the VG16062 findings and the implications for regional farming systems, and keep growers informed of insights around sustainable pest management practices. The project will also follow-up with growers looking to increase the resilience of their landscapes and connect them with natural resource management or Landcare groups to increase native habitats on their farms.