Sustainability in Australian Agriculture Consultation Process

Background

Agricultural sustainability is increasingly a key factor in global trade and market access. Two key initiatives, the Assuring Sustainability Claims Working Group (ASCWG) and the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF), represent collaborative efforts to address the challenges to demonstrate sustainable practices and align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Together, these initiatives aim to position Australian agriculture as a global leader in sustainability by fostering transparency, accountability, and continual improvement.

Have your say

Consultation is now open for the Assuring Sustainability Claims discussion paper and the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework consultation paper.

Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework consultation paper

After a four-year development period complemented by extensive stakeholder consultation, the AASF is approaching developmental maturity.

The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework consultation paper has been developed on behalf of the National Farmers Federation to guide the strategic and operational dimensions of the AASF, ensuring that it continues to meet the evolving needs of Australia’s agricultural sector and remains aligned with national and international standards and market expectations. This consultation process is an opportunity to share with stakeholders an update on progress across the AASF and is an important opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback about key elements of the Framework.

Stakeholder input into this process will ensure that the AASF is a dynamic, industry-driven framework that is responsive to industry needs both at home and on the world stage. Feedback is invited across the areas of Framework Enhancement, Data Ecosystem, and Sustainability Indicators; all of which contribute to the future Governance, Strategy and Operational arrangements for the AASF.

The Have Your Say Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework consultation paper opened on 14th December 2024 and closes 5:00pm AEDT Friday 28th February 2025. For more information visit: https://aasf.org.au/aasf-consultation

Assuring Sustainability Claims discussion paper

With evolving consumer expectations and changes in export regulations, proving sustainability claims has become essential for meeting market demands and maintaining access to global markets. Traceability approaches and systems show consumers and countries we export to, that our products are safe, clean and sustainable from paddock to plate. Australia’s agricultural industry needs a way to provide evidence that is credible, transparent, and verifiable while supporting sustainability claims.

The Assuring Sustainability Claims discussion paper is being coordinated by the industry-led Assuring Sustainability Claims Working Group (ASCWG), set up under the Australian Agricultural Traceability Governance Group (AATGG), to help guide, prioritise and action the National Agricultural Traceability Strategy 2023 to 2033 and Implementation Plan.

Following initial research, the paper is being released to gather a greater range of perspectives. Of particular interest to the project is the perspective from export supply chain stakeholders. Feedback gathered through this process will be analysed and considered in the next phase of the project and will form the basis of recommendations made to the AATGG.

The Have Your Say Assuring Sustainability Claims discussion paper opened on 4th December 2024 and closes 5:00pm AEDT Monday 24th February 2025. For more information visit: https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/sustainability-claims

Resources

For more information on the consultation processes, visit our webinar on Sustainability in Agriculture.

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.