How many more systems?

Jane Lovell TQA Australia

Overview

Food safety, quality and environmental assurance

Where are we now? Where are we going? How can we do it better?

Where are we now?….

International perspective

Where are we going? Internationally…..Carbon labelling Carbon Trust – PAS 2050 ISO 14067 - underdevelopment GHG Protocol WRI/WBCSD Aeon – “Global Warming Prevention

Declaration” Casino – preparing for mandatory

environmental labelling in France EC – role of carbon footprinting in

European climate policy Greenpeace – piloting labelling in Austria

with organic as the best case standard

Where are we going?

History shows we follow UK / European trends

Sustainability is on the agendaEthical procurement

• Woolworths ethical audits• Coles ethical questionnaire

Environmental managementCarbon footprinting

• Planet Ark Carbon Reduction Label – partnership with Carbon Trust

Water Air

Retailer

Consumers NRM / NGO’s

Soil

Agrifood business

Primary producer

Retailer

How can we do it better? Stop being driven Be proactive and consultative Work together across the

supply chain

Environmental Systems Recognition Framework NOT another system

Primary producer

Water AirSoil

Ret

aile

r

Retailer

Agrifood business

Aim of the project

to develop a credible means of recognising on farm environmental certification systems that meet the requirements of major domestic customers

to avoid the need for Australian primary producers to implement and manage multiple environmental management systems

Benefits

provides clarity on systems that meet retailer / agrifood business environmental requirements

allows producers to implement a single system to meet the requirements of multiple retailers / agrifood businesses

maximises the options for producers and maximises the supply base for retailers / agrifood businesses

minimises the time spent on compliance and increases resources available to environmentally responsible farming practices

“recognition” process is independent and credible

The framework - development process Steering Committee appointed Meetings with major domestic retailers Review of systems / tools

Domestic and international Draft framework Feedback sought (industry, retailers, NRM

organisations etc) Draft framework Develop and pilot recognition process Workshop November 2009 Draft framework Feedback sought Industry endorsement sought

Scope

All the horticultural farming activities that happen on the farm up to and including harvest

Areas addressed

1. Chemical management

2. Fertiliser and soil additive management

3. Land and soil management

4. Water management

5. Biodiversity

Areas addressed

6. Waste and pollution management

7. Energy

8. Climate change

9. Internal system management

10.System integrity control

11.Auditors

Structure of the framework Banner statements Compliance criteria

1. Chemical management1.1 Agricultural chemicals

Agricultural chemicals are handled, stored, used and disposed of in a responsible manner, minimising the risk of environmental contamination

1.1 Agricultural chemicalsCompliance criteria

1.1.1 The use of chemical control methods are justified, through crop monitoring or a recognised preventative program. Records of application and justification are required.

1.1.2 Non-chemical control methods are implemented where possible. Records of actions are required.

Recognition process

Developing a credible processReviewed existing benchmarking

systemsTalked to key stakeholdersSecured a reputable and

experience “benchmarker” Two stages – desk audit and

verification (on site and / or with certification bodies)

Progress

Retailers interested Want industry support for the

initiative before progressing further

Support

for the initiative can be shown in a number of ways, endorsement of:

1. the concept of “recognising” environmental systems that meet retailer / agribusiness requirements.

2. the eleven areas covered in the version 6.4 of the framework as critical to proving sound environmental management.

3. the banner statements included in version 6.4 of the framework.

4. the compliance criteria included in version 6.4 of the framework.

Interested?

Current project ceases 31 May 2010

Copies of framework available today

If you think there is merit in this project please contact me jane.lovell@tqainc.com.au0419 554 047