Background to the Framework.
The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) is a joint initiative led by the National Farmers’ Federation and supported by the Australian Government. The framework was developed in response to increasing pressures on the agricultural sector to demonstrate sustainability performance, both domestically and internationally. Global shifts towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, combined with increasing consumer awareness and regulatory expectations, has put pressure on Australian agriculture to demonstrate its sustainability performance.
By developing a common set of sustainability principles for the agricultural sector that can be used over time to align sectoral and supply chain language towards a common understanding of sustainability deliverables, the AASF communicates the overall status of Australian agricultural sustainability. This two-way lens helps stakeholders in supply chains, finance and the community to understand the priorities of Australian producers, and helps producers identify where their sustainability focus can be directed.
Themes
The AASF is built around key Themes that underpin the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices. These Themes include environmental stewardship, which focuses on preserving natural resources, reducing emissions, and promoting biodiversity; people, animals and community, which highlights the importance of rural communities, fair labour practices, animal wellbeing, and maintaining food security; and economic resilience, which emphasises building robust agricultural businesses that adapt to changing market conditions while fostering innovation.
Together, these Themes provide a comprehensive approach to achieving sustainability, aligning the agricultural sector with global standards and expectations while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of the Australian context.
Environmental Stewardship
People, Animals & Community
Economic Resilience
Principles
The AASF consists of 17 Principles that represent fundamental aspects of sustainable agriculture, under the themes of environmental stewardship, people, animals and community, and economic resilience. These overarching Principles range from resource efficiency and biodiversity conservation to social responsibility and economic viability. They serve as the foundational values guiding the agricultural sector’s sustainable transition, and reflect priorities identified through collaboration with stakeholders; including farmers, industry bodies, environmental groups, and government agencies. Each Principle outlines broad, essential goals, setting a high-level vision for what sustainable agriculture should strive to achieve in Australia.
Discover the AASF Principles →
Criteria
To operationalise these Principles, the AASF introduces 43 specific Criteria that further detail the conditions necessary for sustainability. The Criteria within the Framework translate the high-level Principles into clear, actionable areas that define sustainable practice across the agricultural sector. Each Criterion represents a specific condition or requirement that must be met to align with the Principles, providing structure and clarity for implementation.
Together, the Framework’s Principles and Criteria describe the Australian agricultural industry’s sustainability status and goals, offering a robust, transparent continuum that enables the agricultural industry to document and report on sustainability outcomes in a way that is consistent, credible, and adaptable to future challenges. The AASF will provide verified information about agricultural sustainability, drawing on national data sets and collaboration with industry-specific initiatives.
Discover the AASF Criteria →
The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework is funded by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry through the National Agriculture Traceability Grants Program. Project delivery is led by the National Farmers’ Federation.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
© The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework. Copyright of National Farmers Federation.
