Harvest Management & Community Use
Harvest management should support the long-term objectives of Community Orchards and Community Food Forests while protecting environmental integrity, public safety and community benefit. Food production represents one outcome of these landscapes. It should never compromise ecological health, long-term sustainability or the primary purpose of creating resilient community assets.
Harvest Principles
Community Benefit
Harvesting should maximise community benefit while respecting the long-term health of the landscape.
Environmental Balance
Harvest management should recognise the ecological role of fruit, seeds and vegetation in supporting biodiversity and local wildlife.
Responsible Harvesting
Harvesting practices should minimise damage to vegetation and encourage responsible public use.
Food Safety
Where produce is intended for community distribution or charitable programs, appropriate food safety procedures should be applied in accordance with local requirements.
Community Partnerships
Where appropriate, harvests may support partnerships with food banks, community kitchens, schools or other approved community organisations.
Seasonal Management
Harvest management should recognise seasonal variation, differing production levels and the natural development of mature landscapes.
Harvest Philosophy
Community Orchards and Community Food Forests should not be managed as commercial production systems. Their value extends well beyond the quantity of food produced. Environmental stewardship, education, biodiversity, public wellbeing and community participation remain equally important measures of success.