Baseline study - Agricultural capacity of the Indigenous Estate Case Study Report - Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia

Summary

The five case studies within this report form a significant component of the Agricultural Capacity of the Indigenous Estate baseline study and were selected by the Project Steering Committee to provide, as far as practicable, representation of First Nations participation in primary industries across Australia and across the primary production activities, including cattle production, plant cultivation and fisheries.

Analysis of the case studies was based on identifying success factors for First Nations participation in agricultural economies premised on shifting the narrative in public policy to better engaging First Nations in primary industries.

Overall, the analysis identifies that First Nations primary production industries are diverse, increasingly financially sustainable and delivering significant cultural, environmental and social benefits to local First Nations communities and the national economy.

Modelling shows 10% of the Indigenous Estate is highly suitable for agricultural development, particularly along the northern Australian coastline, the east coast and the south west of Western Australia, with areas of moderate to high suitability in all states. This research confirms that there are opportunities to increase First Nations participation in primary industries.

In summary, improving the quality of data and ease of access to data concerning the Indigenous estate and Indigenous primary industries is recommended to improve decision making relating to expansion of the sectors’ development. Developing a portfolio of First Nations primary industry case studies is also recommended to support market investment and strategies of government agencies and industry groups. However, policy development regarding First Nations participation in primary industries must ultimately be inclusive and informed by First Nations organisations.

The full complement of recommendations to enhance First Nations participation in those identified primary industries is available in the Activating the Indigenous Estate situational analysis report.

Activating the Indigenous estate – Baseline study of agricultural capacity

This project will examine the unrealised agricultural potential of the Indigenous estate across Australia. It will also align with national policy agendas and closely examine agricultural development in Northern Australia. It will examine the scope for adjusting policy settings to transform the value and potential of the Indigenous estate and agricultural economy. The provision of better information, building the capability of Traditional Owners, addressing bias and information asymmetries with financial institutions and investors, and support for agreement-making may enable increased investment and productivity of Indigenous lands and waters. Project lead ANU proposes to undertake a Situational Analysis for the benefit of First Nations communities and agricultural sector stakeholders on the national economic impacts (including GDP, gross value of production, industry value-add, and employment) of increasing the productivity and profitability of Indigenous land and waters across all primary production markets such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture industries and the emerging markets for carbon and biodiversity credits. The baseline study will set the foundation and identify the pre-conditions to further engage First Nations in unlocking the agricultural production potential of the Indigenous estate. The Situational Analysis comprises desktop research using existing data to: Map the bio-cultural assets of the Indigenous estate (E.g. land use, tenure, water, etc.). Prepare a baseline of the nature, size, and value of primary production in the Indigenous agricultural economy. Identify gaps in infrastructure or resources using a System of Environment-Economic Accounting to compile accounts and inform any cost-benefit analysis for investment. Use GIS-based Multi Criteria Evaluation to create scenario-based outputs weighted towards different priorities (e.g. access to water, productivity, tenure, conservation). Generate a range of land use scenarios (i.e. low, medium, high conversions over 10 and 20 years) that will be presented using an interactive dashboard. Prepare case studies of current regional agricultural investments on the Indigenous estate.