Supporting Standard

Community Orchards & Food Forests Standard

Supporting the National Community Landscape Framework

Purpose

This Standard establishes guiding principles for the planning, establishment, stewardship and long-term management of Community Orchards and Community Food Forests developed under the National Community Landscape Framework. It recognises orchards and food forests as long-term community assets capable of delivering environmental, educational, social and food resilience outcomes while supporting healthier and more resilient communities.

This Standard is intended to guide governments, local authorities, community organisations, educational institutions and participating communities in the responsible development of Community Orchards and Food Forests appropriate to local environmental conditions and community priorities.

Scope

This Standard applies to publicly accessible Community Orchards and Community Food Forests established within parks, reserves, community landscapes, educational facilities, public institutions and other approved locations. It does not apply to commercial orchards, private agricultural enterprises or intensive commercial food production.

Objectives

  • Recognise Community Orchards and Food Forests as long-term public assets.
  • Support environmental stewardship through productive landscape design.
  • Encourage community participation and shared stewardship.
  • Improve biodiversity and environmental resilience.
  • Strengthen local food resilience where appropriate.
  • Create educational opportunities for present and future generations.
  • Support healthier, greener and more resilient communities.

Fundamental Principles

  • Community benefit should remain the primary objective.
  • Environmental sustainability should guide planning and management.
  • Species selection should reflect local environmental conditions.
  • Long-term stewardship should be considered before establishment.
  • Food production should complement environmental outcomes rather than replace them.
  • Projects should remain accessible, inclusive and community-focused.
  • Implementation should remain consistent with applicable legislation and public safety requirements.

Community Orchards and Community Food Forests represent investments in future generations. Unlike many public infrastructure projects measured in years, these landscapes may continue providing environmental, educational and community benefits for decades. Their value should therefore be assessed according to their long-term contribution to community resilience, environmental quality and public wellbeing.

Framework Standard Statement

Community Orchards and Community Food Forests should be recognised as strategic community assets capable of delivering long-term environmental, educational, social and food resilience benefits while strengthening healthier and more resilient communities.

Framework Documents

The following documents collectively support the National Community Landscape Framework. While each document may be read independently, together they provide a comprehensive framework for strengthening healthier, greener and more resilient communities.