RMCG evaluated the impact of the Departments Future Farming Systems Research (FFSR) division research and development (R&D) activities relating to water use efficiency (WUE) in the irrigated dairy, irrigated cropping and horticulture industries of northern Victoria, between 2001 and 2011. The impact of the work was assessed against the DPI outcomes identified in the guiding framework document Water: Growing Sustainable Primary Industries.
The evaluation resulted in a greater understanding of the impact of WUE R&D in Northern Victoria over the past decade. It highlighted the needs of government and industry, the involvement and adoption of R&D by stakeholders, recent advances in knowledge and technology, and environmental and economic benefits of R&D. Evaluation findings provided examples of particular successes and assisted in informing improvements to future R&D investment to ensure maximum effectiveness.