Headstart

Important Concepts in Agriculture and Horticulture

Before we start working through the Key Knowledge and Key Skills of this subject, it is important to understand some of the concepts that weave their ways throughout all four units.

As always, consult the current Study Design, and ask your teacher to explain anything you are unsure of.

Sustainability

The concepts behind more sustainable approaches in agriculture and horticulture include stewardship of natural and human resources, and systems perspectives that emphasise the interconnected nature of individual farm or agricultural and horticultural businesses, local ecosystems, and communities affected by a farming system both locally and globally. Taken into consideration are the consequences of farming practices on human communities and the environment.

Sustainable approaches are those that are the least toxic and least energy intensive, and yet maintain productivity and profitability. These approaches provide tools to explore the interconnections between agricultural and horticultural business and other aspects of the environment. Additionally an interdisciplinary approach that considers the input of researchers, agriculturists and horticulturists, employees of agricultural and horticultural and related businesses, consumers and policy makers is needed.

MAKE SURE you read and take notes on Sustainability in the current Study Design. Particularly the 3 pillars of sustainability: Social, Environmental and Economic

Holiday Homework

This is to be completed on a Google Doc you will share with your teacher:

look online for reputable Agricultural sources such as ABC Landline, Agriculture Victoria, NSW Department of Primary Industry (DPI). Choose a case study (a story about a business or individual) that discusses sustainability issues such as those listed below:

A dairy farm facing water shortages
A vineyard dealing with labour shortages and pesticide drift complaints
A vegetable farm considering switching to no-till and cover crops
A mixed orchard/farm expanding market access

Complete an analysis of the case study by discussing any of the following that are relevant:

Environmental issues:
- Strategies that could help:
Economic issues:
- Strategies that could help:
Social issues:
- Strategies that could help:
Interconnections (how one change affects all 3 pillars):

Add any photos, images or graphics that add interest or information
Use MyBib or similar to produce a bibliography in Harvard Australia style
Your Case study analysis does not have a word limit, but should be about a page of 12 point font. This is just an approximate guide to show you how much depth of information is required.

Rubric/Checklist

Check the following points before you submit to make sure your work meets expectations.

1. Choosing and Understanding the Case Study

☐ I chose a case study from a reputable agricultural source (Landline, AgVic, DPI, etc.)
☐ I clearly explained who the business/individual is and what sustainability issue they face.
☐ I understand the background and context of the story.

2. Environmental Issues and Strategies

☐ I identified the main environmental issues in the case study.
☐ I explained these issues clearly in my own words.
☐ I suggested environmental strategies that would help the business.
☐ My strategies are realistic and connected to the case study.

3. Economic Issues and Strategies

☐ I identified any economic pressures or challenges.
☐ I explained how these issues affect the business.
☐ I suggested strategies that could improve economic sustainability.

4. Social Issues and Strategies

☐ I identified any social issues (workers, consumers, community, welfare, etc.).
☐ I explained how these affect different people or groups.
☐ I suggested practical social strategies for improvement where appropriate.

5. Interconnections

☐ I explained how a change in one area (environmental/economic/social) affects the others.
☐ I showed that the three pillars are linked, not separate.

6. Use of Evidence

☐ I used specific details from the case study (facts, quotes, examples).
☐ I avoided vague statements and made sure my information is accurate.

7. Visuals (Photos, Diagrams, Charts)

☐ I included 2–4 relevant visuals.
☐ My visuals add information, interest, or clarity.
☐ If needed, I added captions.

8. Bibliography

☐ I created a full bibliography using Harvard Australia style.
☐ All sources I used including images are included and correctly formatted.

9. Writing Quality

☐ My writing is clear and easy to follow.
☐ I used paragraphs to organise my ideas.
☐ My sentences make sense and show good understanding.

10. Presentation & Completion

☐ My work is between one and two pages long (not including visuals or the bibliography) so I know I have enough detail but not more than is needed.
☐ I used 11 or 12 point font, a clear layout, and headings.
☐ I checked spelling and grammar.
☐ My work looks polished and complete.
☐ My Google Doc is ready to be shared with my teacher.

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