Environmental Stewardship

Australian farms are susceptible to climate extremes, such as rainfall variability, drought, floods and fires. As custodians of some of the world’s most unique flora and fauna, farmers play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological environment.

Ensuring environmental sustainability in agriculture involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the production lifecycle, preserving on-farm natural capital, protecting, maintaining and improving our soil, land and water assets, using finite resources responsibly and promoting recycling where possible.

The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) embraces the theme of environmental stewardship through five Principles. These Principles aim to demonstrate sustainable agricultural practices, covering greenhouse gas emissions and air, soil and landscapes, biodiversity, water, and materials and resources. The following table outlines these five Principles and their corresponding Criteria.

Importantly, the Principles and Criteria under the AASF are intentionally kept at a high level, allowing for flexibility across different commodities, geographic regions, and production systems.

Environmental Stewardship Categories, Principles and Criteria

Greenhouse Gases
& Air

P1. Net anthropogenic* GHG emissions are limited to minimise climate change

P2. Adverse impacts to air quality are avoided or minimised

C1. GHG emissions are reduced throughout production lifecycle

C2. Carbon emissions are sequestered wherever possible throughout production lifecycle

C3. Where necessary (if C1 & C2 are impractical), GHG emissions are offset throughout lifecycle by purchasing recognised credits or participating in recognised projects

C4. Plant, equipment and machinery are appropriately maintained and operated to maximise efficiency

C5. Activities which generate particulate matter are conducted within regulatory guidelines

Soil & Landscapes

P3. Soil health and functionality are protected and enhanced

P4. Landscape degradation is avoided or minimised

C6. Soils are managed to provide ecosystem services, including sustainable agricultural production

C7. Land under productive agricultural management delivers beneficial environmental services

C8. Natural waterways are preserved and improved

Biodiversity

P5. Biodiverse ecological communities are protected and enhanced

C9. Farms support a diverse range of beneficial flora and fauna species

C10. Farm-related ecosystems are functioning and thriving

Water

P6. Water resources are used responsibly and equitably

C11. Water is used efficiently in agricultural systems

C12. Adverse impacts to surface water and groundwater quality are prevented

Materials & Resources

P7. Finite resources are safeguarded in circular economic systems

C13. The use of inputs and resources that cannot be reused or recycled is minimised

C14. Renewable sources of inputs are prioritised

C15. Residues, by-products and waste are reused or recycled

* ‘Anthropogenic’ meaning that which originates from human activity – e.g., emissions from farmed livestock are under human management

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.

People, Animals & Community

The agricultural industry nurtures the wellbeing of its people, animals and communities.

The AASF theme people, animals and communities encompasses five principles designed to demonstrate the industry’s sustainable approach to supporting human health and wellbeing, livelihoods, rights, equity and diversity, animal wellbeing and social contribution.

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Economic Resilience

The agricultural industry upholds fair and ethical practices, transparent arrangements and compliance with laws.

The AASF addresses the theme of economic resolience through two principles focusing on stringent approaches to biosecurity, good governance, traceability, transparency and documented supply chains, demonstrating the industry’s dedication to eliminating unethical practices.

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Environmental Stewardship

Agricultural practices reduce GHG emissions, protect, maintain & improve environmental assets and preserve natural capital.

The AASF embraces the theme of environmental stewardship through five principles. These principles aim to demonstrate sustainable agricultural practices, covering GHG and air, soil and landscapes, biodiversity, water and materials and resources.

Find out more

AASF

Sustainability

Legal

The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework is funded by the Australian Government 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.