Topsoils 1 and 2
The TopSoils program is a region-wide collaborative program in East Gippsland focused on improving soil health to boost farm productivity and sustainability. It brings together multiple partners including East Gippsland CMA, Landcare networks, Southern Farming Systems and Agriculture Victoria. The program supports farmer-led focus groups across five geographic regions—Plains, Foothills, High Country, Far East, and Deddick/Bendoc—offering training, technical advice, on-farm trials, and access to demonstration sites. These sites explore the impact of nutrients and grazing on native pastures, with open days held to share findings.
Originally launched in 2013 as a five-year project, TopSoils was developed in response to ABS data showing low adoption of sustainable land practices in the region. Participation is free and open to all farmers, regardless of Landcare membership. Members are encouraged to trial new practices learned through the program and share their results, with ongoing support provided throughout the process. This program was funded by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program from 2013-2023.
TopSoils 3: Building a Climate-Resilient future for soils in East Gippsland
TopSoils3 is all about providing East Gippsland farmers with practical support to future-proof their operations and improve the sustainability of their farms. This next chapter of the TopSoils initiative continues our mission to help our agricultural community adopt proven practices—like improving soil health and efficient nutrient management—that reduce emissions and build resilience against a changing climate.
By working together with local partners agencies—Southern Farming Systems, Gippsland Agriculture Group, Agriculture Victoria, East Gippsland Shire and Landcare—we work directly with local farmers to run focus groups, events, and demonstration sites on topics that matter to farmers. We encourage all interested landholders to get involved, keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on upcoming field days and workshops. For more information about TopSoils click here.
In a first for Victoria, TopSoils3 is funding the Gippsland Soil School initiative (you can learn more about it on the Gippsland Agriculture Group: Gippsland Soil School), this program brings together knowledge about soil chemistry, biology, and physical structure – along with a little bit of human psychology – to help farmers make better decisions on their properties.
The TopSoils Project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
