Driven by need to manage impact of climate change, drought, water industry restructuring, market globalisation, environmental externalities of irrigated farming, urbanisation of Victoria population and diminishing economic returns of the farming community in general and dairy farmers in particular, Aqwise and Sustainable Ventures, joined forces with the Department of Primary Industries, Netafim and Ecotech group to develop an innovative modular multi water-use system; The collaboration will create synergies and utilise knoweledge, skills, expertise and markets on a partnership (risk sharing) basis between the Victorian and Israeli partners.   The projects strategy aims to develop diversified SME modular farming systems linked on a commercial basis through business networks accessing large-scale markets (domestic and export) with full business and technical backup. The subjects were primarily chosen according to their potential suitability to small and medium farms in arid regions, which can be found in both Victoria and Israel, as well as in many places around the world. Thus, existing dairy farms will be given an opportunity to utilize water in a more efficient and productive manner whilst linking with horticulture with aquaculture production.   Emphasis is put on ‘small footprint’, integrated on-farm applications, net environmental/economic/social gains; zero water and nutrient discharge from farm/net increase in water-use efficiency. The development of an advanced integrated water treatment system will enable the diversification of farmers’ productivity; enhance employment, export and profitability in rural areas. Potential integration of agro-industrial systems will enable improving the economic performance of existing commercial applications whilst developing new revenue sources in rural communities. Emphasis is put on developing a commercially viable system addressing 3 key constraints that are faced by farmers today: water, energy and labour.   The outcome of the research will be an advanced water treatment system that would initially be commercialised in Australia and will be followed by global marketing and commercialization. . Author: sv Keywords: the project,  sv Created on 20 May 2007,   Modified on 30 May 2007