Foreword
The practice of integrating aquaculture and agriculture, also referred to as Integrated Agri-Aquaculture Systems (IAAS), is a relatively recent development in Australia. Indeed, until now much of the interest in IAAS in Australia has been centred on various RIRDC R&D projects investigating different bio-technical, economic and environmental aspects of IAAS applications. The broad rationale for IAAS application in Australia is based on the need to achieve more economically viable and environmentally sustainable primary industries, and specifically to enhance farm productivity and water use efficiency through multiple water use for integrated production of both terrestrial and aquatic crops.

IAAS practices were established long ago in many Asian countries for subsistence purposes, but are increasingly being developed for more commercial, income generating purposes in both Asia and developed “Western” countries. In Israel, very efficient, agro-industrial scale, IAAS farming, incorporating various aquaculture and irrigated horticulture operations, is now well established in what is otherwise a relatively arid production landscape, not unlike much of Australia. It is such commercially viable, large-scale IAAS ventures that are seen to have most relevance to Australian industry. The concept of IAAS in Australia is now entering a critical industry development phase as farmers endeavour to practically apply R&D outcomes and their own specific IAAS innovations at farm level. Accordingly, RIRDC has recognised the need for the preparation of relevant industry extension tools, such as this Handbook.

This Handbook, prepared by the Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria, covers a number of relevant topics in relation to IAAS industry development in Australia. The Handbook includes chapters on: IAAS principles and concepts; international experiences; Australian resources, species, systems and case studies; marketing; economics; legislative issues; and business planning. In practice, it is intended as a preliminary guide to Australian industry, particularly as a starting point for both existing farmers and new entrants considering commercial IAAS opportunities. It is also intended to be the first step in implementing the national R&D Plan for Integrated Agri-Aquaculture (1999-2004) in Australia, released by RIRDC in 2000.

This project was predominantly funded from RIRDC Core Funds, which in turn are provided by the Federal Government, although a significant contribution was also made from Fisheries Victoria (Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria). Valuable in-kind support was also provided from various other state fisheries (including aquaculture) agencies and industry (agriculture and aquaculture) practitioners from around Australia, and several international research institutions.

This report, a new addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 700 research publications, forms part of our Resilient Agricultural Systems R&D program.
This program aims to foster the development of agri-industry systems that have sufficient diversity, integration, flexibility and robustness to be resilient enough to respond opportunistically to continued change. Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website:
• downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm 
• purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop 

Simon Hearn
Managing Director
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation