AASF Stage 1 Final Report 2020 – 2023

AASF Stage 1 Final Report 2020 – 2023

This Report synthesises the work completed under Stage 1 of the development of the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) during the period of 2020 – 2023. The purpose of the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) is to communicate at the national level the sustainability status and goals of Australian agriculture to markets and the community. 

Global Forum on Farm Policy and Innovation 

A values-based approach hitting the mark. The Australian Farm Institute has joined with other leading independent agricultural organisations to form a collaborative initiative known as the Global Forum on Farm Policy and Innovation (GFFPI). These organisations are: Farm Foundation (US), Australian Farm Institute, Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, and Forum for the Future of Agriculture (EU).

TNFD Nature-Related Risk & Opportunity Management and Disclosure

Explore the transformative world of The Nature of Future Design (TNFD), where innovation and sustainability converge. Learn more about a journey to discover cutting-edge design solutions that harmonise with the environment and propel us toward a more sustainable future. From groundbreaking eco-friendly technologies to inspiring design philosophies, TNFD showcases the intersection of creativity and environmental

National Traceability Grant – project kick off

The Australian Government is offering new grant funding under the Australian Trade System Support – Cultivating Australia’s Agricultural Traceability – Promoting and Protecting Agriculture measure. Grant activities undertaken between 2023–2025 will support opportunities to secure value-added benefits for agricultural industries, deliver improved traceability outcomes, and provide national leadership. Activities will also support effective responses to

Agriculture Biodiversity Stewardship Package

About Agriculture Biodiversity Stewardship Package Australian agriculture depends on a biodiverse and well-managed natural resource base. Agricultural land managers play a key role in environmental management. They are responsible for managing 58% of our landmass. The Agriculture Stewardship Package is working to develop market arrangements and kick start private investment in farm biodiversity and other

Premium ag credentials to be enhanced with $11m in grants

Australian farmers will be assisted to prove the premium quality, sustainability, and First Nations credentials of their produce through $11 million in grants from the Albanese Government. This funding is one part of the Government’s $100 million investment in enhancing Australia’s traceability systems. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Murray Watt has announced a

A Common Approach to Sector Level Greenhouse-Gas Accounting for Australian Agriculture

AIA and CSIRO have developed a common framework for GHG accounting for Australian agriculture, which supports sector-level baselines, reporting and communication of a united narrative around emissions. AIA announced the completion of the Common approach to sector-level greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting for Australian agriculture project. This project developed a common framework for GHG accounting, which

Data Progress Needed For Climate-Smart Agriculture

The agriculture sector is a major source of the greenhouse gasses (GHG) that are causing climate change, accounting for approximately 10 percent of U.S. GHG emissions. Proponents of “climate-smart” agriculture look to provide farmers and ranchers with financial incentives to encourage practices such as planting cover crops, reducing tillage, and improving pasture management to sequester

What’s in your cart?

The decision to shop sustainably often depends on the effort required by consumers. According to a survey conducted by senior partner Jessica Moulton and colleagues, shoppers across four countries—France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States—are more likely to freeze food to avoid waste or purchase seasonal produce (less effort) than buy recycled toilet paper or

Andrew Skinner

Director

More Than Machines

Andrew is an accomplished technology leader with over 25 years experience delivering cutting-edge solutions across diverse industries, including media, utilities, defence, manufacturing, health, and agrifood.  He possesses extensive expertise in international agri-food technology ecosystems, and is a trusted advisor to industry organisations, supply chain entities, researchers, startups, and governments. Andrew founded the technology consultancy More Than Machines, where he assists agrifood organisations, startups, researchers, and governments in developing digital strategies, policies and technology solutions that leverage data and AI to optimise their land, production, markets, and products.  Previously, as Chief Data Officer at Meat and Livestock Australia, he developed and implemented the Australian Red Meat industry data strategy and digital supply chain research programs, demonstrably increasing productivity, product quality, and enabling new market opportunities through targeted digital technology implementation. 

Anna Hooper

Director, Economic & Environmental Policy

Australian Grape & Wine Inc.

Anna is a wine industry professional since the late 90’s, working in vineyard management and winemaking both in Australia and overseas, and later as General Manager of a premium, sustainability focused, wine producer in South Australia. She has been a non-executive director on private and government boards in the fields of biosecurity, natural resource management and grape and wine business and currently sits on the board of Landcare Australia. Immediately prior to the formation of Australian Grape and Wine she gained experience in national advocacy as Chief Executive Officer of Australian Vignerons. Having worked across a broad range of roles, including practical hands-on industry experience, she is well placed in her role to promote the best interests of the sector on domestic policy issues relating to environmental and economic sustainability. She is leading the project on carbon emissions traceability that is the focus of the presentation. 

Dr. Melindee Hastie

Research Fellow (Meat, Food & Sensory Science)

Agriculture Victoria

Melindee is a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystems Science, where she focusses on the consumer defined opportunity for sustainable food production. Melindee has over 20 years’ experience in R&D leadership for academia and international FMCGs such as Cadbury, Kraft, and Mondelez. 

Warwick Ragg

General Manager NRM

National Farmers Federation

Warwick was raised on a farm in the NSW Southern Highlands and has almost 30 years experience in rural and regional advocacy. Prior to joining NFF Warwick had been working in the Commonwealth Government in stakeholder engagement roles and had previously spent a decade with NSW Farmers’ Association and a further decade as chief executive of Australian Forest Growers.

Adam Fennessy PSM

Secretary

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry

Adam has over 25 years of public sector experience at state and federal levels. His former roles have included Secretary of the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Secretary of the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning, the Victorian Public Sector Commissioner and Dean & CEO of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG). Adam has worked in the private sector as a partner with global advisory firm Ernst & Young.

Adam is an IPAA National Fellow and previously served on the board of IPAA Victoria. In 2018, he received a Public Service Medal (PSM) for leadership in the Victorian public sector.

Neil McSkimming

Senior Policy Officer, Export Development

Agriculture Victoria

Neil is a Senior Policy Officer providing advice on international market access, trade and capability building to grow the state’s agricultural industry. 

His career has a balance of government and private industry experience including eight years at Coles Supermarkets where he was Responsible Sourcing Manager transforming the animal welfare and sustainable production credentials for its own brand products. 

David Jochinke

President

National Farmers Federation

David, commonly referred to as ‘DJ’, is a third generation dryland mixed farmer. DJ operates his family’s property at Murra Warra in the Wimmera, Victoria, producing various broadacre crops and finishing prime lambs. He has been heavily involved at all levels of farmer advocacy since finishing his Diploma of Applied Science (Ag Services) at Longerenong College. DJ was elected as President of the National Farmers’ Federation in October 2023 after serving as Vice President and Director for numerous years.

DJ is a past recipient of a Nuffield Australia Scholarship and Australian Rural Leadership Program and is an active contributor to his local community.