The Australian Master TreeGrower Program short course

The Australian Master TreeGrower short course is a community based education and training program for farmers about growing trees for conservation and profit.

Each course is designed to reflect the interests, opportunities and challengers facing the local community. With the support of a local partner organisation and regional presenters most courses are delivered over period of one or two months. Staff of the University of Melbourne are usually involved on at least three of the eight days.

A detailed report on the MTG Program is now available online from the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program:

Reid, R and P. Stephen (2007) The Australian Master TreeGrower Program - Development, delivery and impact of a national outreach and education program (1996-2004). RIRDC Publication No. 06/029

Whilst every course is different they all follow a similar four-part framework:

Part 1 Mastering trees on farms (1 day)

Agroforestry and family forestry are about farmers growing trees for the reasons they think are important. This first day introduces the MTG approach and reviews the interests of participants and regional organisations in growing trees in their region.

Part 2 Trees for conservation and profit (3 days)

Review prospects for commercial tree production (timber, firewood, oils, bushfoods) and the emerging environmental services markets (carbon, biodiversity, salinity control, water quality etc). Learn how to measure and monitor forest growth and values with the MTG Diameter Tape and other tools. Review the principles and techniques involved in establishing and managing forests and their application in your area.

Part 3 Integrating trees into our farming landscapes (3 days)

Field tours and expert presentations explore opportunities for multipurpose tree growing on participants' own properties. Topics reflect farmer and community interests and may include how to attract native wildlife, trees for shade and shelter, protection and management of native vegetation, targeting trees for salinity control or management along watercourses to reduce soil erosion and nutrient loads.

Part 4 Shaping future landscapes(1 days)

A look at the financial aspects of growing trees on farms and the opportunities for partnerships. Discussion of the research and development needs in the region and the role of community groups, government agencies and industry. Conclude with the presentation of MTG gate signs and certificates to participants.

• The MTG approach to education: The MTG course is not an accredited skills based training course, nor is it a formal university subject. It is, however, one of the most popular and successful adult education courses available to farmers in Australia. Learn more about the MTG approach.
• How to run an MTG short course. Each course is presented as a partnership between The University of Melbourne and a regional organisations. If you are interested in seeing a course in your area learn more about how we get one up and running.
• MTG Program Evaluation: Since mid-1998, a consistent internal monitoring and evaluation process has been conducted providing excellent feedback and allowing minor adjustments to the running of the Program. This has been supplemented by a number of external reviews.
• National Coverage: Based upon the above principles, the MTG program has now been run in all states and territories of Australia. See where past programs have been run and plans for new courses in the near future.