Welcome to Agrilink

The Agrilink information system was designed to provide high quality, easy-to-use and up-to-date information on horticultural crops. The concept of Agrilink was developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries in 1992. The first stage, which was completed in 1995, involved the development of prototype information manuals for fruit crops. These prototypes were tested for two years. The response was so positive that a wide range of horticultural information kits and CDs was then produced.

Although the original Agrilink project has now been completed, selected information kits and CDs remain available for sale. In addition, new products, including handbooks and problem solvers, have been developed on a number of other crops. This product range offers information in a new and updated style that matches the quality and functionality of the original Agrilink range.

The information is based on four principles:

• information is presented in the way farmers seek and use it
• information is easy-to-use
• information used is the most common core information, based on the understanding that 80% of what is worth knowing is contained in 20% of the information
• information is obtained through information gathering workshops, and is developed by specialists from DPI&F, agribusiness and industry collectively.

The information kit - What's in it?

The basic Agrilink information kit contains eight sections and two pull-out handy guides. The kit contains text and graphics, including line drawings and colour photographs. Symbols indicate links to information in other parts of the kit and clipboard icons give helpful hints and alert the reader to possible problems.

The kit's eight sections are:

• Before you start - things you need to know before you start growing the crop.
• Common questions - the 20 or so most commonly asked questions.
• Growing the crop - selecting varieties, establishing, producing and marketing a crop.
• Key issues - detailed information on important decisions.
• Problem solver - full colour picture series of common problems with recommended solutions.
• Contacts and references - organisations, suppliers, information sources and further reading.
• Index - A to Z index to help you find information quickly.
• Your info - a place to store information that you have collected.

The two Handy Guides are:

• Problem solver handy guide - enables selection of appropriate chemicals and other control agents together with trade names, withholding periods and registration status.
• Crop production handy guide - a crop calendar showing at a glance the timing of fertilisers, irrigation, pest and disease management and other operations.

The new product range

The new products contain information that is divided into sections that are similar to the original Agrilink products. The primary difference is that the production information and the problem-solver information have been separated into two publications. This new design provides the reader with the flexibility to buy discreet packages of information, as required. The compact format of the pest, disease and disorder information also allows it to be easily taken into the field when identifying crop problems. Information for selected crops is also available in CD-ROM, chart and booklet formats.

Who is it for?

The information has been primarily written for farmers, but is also suitable for:

• horticultural consultants and suppliers
• pest management consultants and advisers
• tertiary and high school students studying horticulture
• hobbyists and home garden enthusiasts.