While some systematic research has been undertaken on the values and benefits of native vegetation, there is a continuing need for studies that address key issues identified by producers and their advisors. The contribution that native vegetation can make to the profitability of farming enterprises still needs research. There is considerable anecdotal evidence that native vegetation adds to property values, particularly if the buyer is from outside the region. A comprehensive study that addresses the link between native vegetation and property values would be useful.

The role that a mix of exotic and native vegetation plays in maintaining species diversity and ecological functions is of major interest to landholders, and is not a question that can be easily answered.

Leading producers generally already have an interest in, and understanding of, the values and benefits of native vegetation. This group only represents the top 10–20 per cent of farmers. Research on how to better engage other farmers who have little or no interest in native vegetation on their properties would be of value.

Producers, like the general community, are diverse. Gaining a better understanding of the beliefs, motivations and behaviour of younger landholders, as well as the effectiveness of messages aimed at changing attitudes and behaviour, should help producers, their advisors and management agencies work better together. Developing different strategies for working and communicating with different types of landholders should make information on native vegetation management more relevant and effective.

Providing indigenous people with the opportunity to express the benefits of native vegetation in their own words and language, could help others better appreciate their relationship to country. This is a particular gap in southern and eastern Australia.