Farming for the Future
Farming for the Future is about promoting sustainable agricultural production in Western Australia. It is working closely with industry and researchers to define sustainable farm-level agricultural practices and with industry groups to encourage the adoption of sustainable farm practices. Farming for the Future also works with marketers and processors to ensure this effort is meeting market requirements.
- Why do we need to demonstrate our sustainability?
- What is a sustainable farm business?
- How are we recognising sustainable farm businesses?
- How can you get involved?
- Contact us
Why do we need to demonstrate our sustainability?
International markets and local consumers want to be confident that their goods have been produced in a sustainable manner. Farming for the Future aims to provide a coordinated approach for Western Australian producers to meet this demand by helping industries become more sustainable. Farming for the Future is also in part a response to the State Sustainability Strategy.
Find out more by downloading Introduction to Farming for the Future [PDF 812KB] Farming for the Future Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) [PDF 2.1MB]
What is a sustainable farm business?
A sustainable farm business is described by Farming for the Future as a business that shows responsibility for the sustainability of its natural, social and financial resources.
The sustainable farm practices promoted by Farming for the Future cover the following business activities:
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Farm Economic & Social Sustainability |
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Business planning |
Economic stability |
Skills development |
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People management |
Occupational health and safety |
Quality of life |
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Heritage and culture |
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Natural Resource Sustainability |
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Native vegetation & wildlife protection & enhancement |
Soil & land management |
Fertility management |
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Salinity management |
Acidity management |
Surface & groundwater management |
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Water use efficiency |
Waste management |
Chemical & fuel management |
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Energy management |
Air quality |
Production risk management |
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Biosecurity |
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Animal health & welfare |
Livestock identification & traceability |
Weed risk management |
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Insect pest management |
Plant & animal disease risk management |
Feral & pest animal management |
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Food safety |
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To find out more about these elements you can download the Farming for the Future Self-Assessment Tool
How are we recognising sustainable farm businesses?
Farming for the Future is supporting individual producers and industries to adopt the current recommended practices that have been identified or developed through a strategic consultation process.
Producers can be recognised as sustainable by participating in a recognised industry-based program. These range from environmental management and quality assurance systems to self-assessment tools or participation in industry programs. Many of these programs are compatible with international programs.
How can you get involved?
There are two ways:
- If you are in an industry program, internally or externally audited, then speak with the Farming for the Future team or program coordinator about becoming recognised by Farming for the Future.
- If you are not part of these programs or in an industry where these programs do not exist, then you can complete a Farming for the Future Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) as a part of your usual business planning process. This can then be returned to Farming for the Future to receive recognition.
To contact us:
Farming for the Future
Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia
Email: f4f@agric.wa.gov.au
Fax: (08) 9367 4265John Noonan
Phone: (08) 9368 3123 or 0404 819 501
Email: jnoonan@agric.wa.gov.auJon Warren
Phone: (08) 9368 3361
Email: jdwarren@agric.wa.gov.auDanielle England
Phone: (08) 9368 3187 or 0429 102 176
Email: dengland@agric.wa.gov.auSusie Murphy White
Phone: (08) 9368 3929 or 0427 983 542
Email: smurphywhite@agric.wa.gov.auTheo Nabben (Bunbury Office)
Phone: (08) 9780 6208
Email: tnabben@agric.wa.gov.auMarie Shanks (Northam Office)
Phone: (08) 9690 2229
Email: mshanks@agric.wa.gov.au
See also
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Production and environmental legislation : a guide for primary producers : July 2007
A brief overview of legislation affecting agricultural land management in Western Australia. The legislation listed is State legislation unless otherwise noted. Landholders may use the guide to gain a general understanding of their legal obligations to manage the environment and as a starting point from which to develop a legal register for an Environmental Management System. - Farming for the Future: Industry Practice Baselines
Page updated: 1 September 2009
Content ID 6818
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