Agricultural and Horticultural Studies Study Notes

Students focus on the dynamic and innovative nature of Australia’s food and fibre production industries. They reflect on the rate of change, the rise of new challenges, and the sector’s ever-increasing engagement with innovation and technology. Students inquire into the broad role of innovation and technology in food and fibre production, and consider the impacts of new and emerging tools and applications, as well as innovative research projects. Students reflect on past initiatives, contemporary responses to consumer concerns and ways to evaluate the effectiveness of particular innovations in agricultural and horticultural practices.

Students focus on biosecurity, the protection of agricultural and horticultural industries against pests, diseases and weeds, and measures to combat the serious threat posed by biological resistances. Students develop their understanding of specific pests, diseases and weeds that threaten Victorian agriculture and horticulture. Emphasis is placed on principles of integrated pest and weed management.

Students examine sustainable land management, including property management, with a focus on the prevention and mitigation of environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change. Students investigate appropriate and sustainable strategies, adaptations and modifications, evaluating associated safety and risk factors. Comparisons are made between natural and managed ecosystems, with inquiry into the significance of biodiversity for sustainable food and fibre production. Students research and apply techniques for testing and monitoring of environmental health in agricultural and/or horticultural contexts.

Students examine business challenges and opportunities across the food and fibre supply chain, with a focus on sustainability. Students consider sustainability as a multi-dimensional influence on the decisions of agricultural and/or horticultural producers. They consider the role of strategic business planning and the effective use of marketing and communications tools. Students research quality assurance programs and government regulation relating to sustainable food and fibre industries.