This section is designed to identify areas of current and further research based on the headings in the main part of this chapter. The goal in identifying this research is that it should help producers and their advisors with the management of native vegetation on their properties – whether it be for productive use, the provision of ecosystem services or the conservation of native vegetation. In some cases research that has already been undertaken would be made more accessible if it was translated into a user-friendly form and written in plain English.

When designing further research on native vegetation on farms, two approaches that have been used successfully in the Sustainable Grazing Systems and other programs should be considered. Firstly, participatory research – where producers work with scientists to identify the research question, design and have ongoing oversight of the project – is likely to have more value. Secondly, producer-initiated research and development (PIRDs), where producers undertake research on their own properties, could raise considerable interest and awareness of the potential value of native vegetation at the property level.