The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) sets out a unified understanding of sustainability objectives through a standard set of Themes, Principles and Criteria. The Themes encompass environmental stewardship, wellbeing of people, animals and community, and bolstering economic resilience. By aligning sector-specific and supply chain terminology, the AASF fosters stakeholder coherence and enables better communication of industry-wide sustainability goals. Meeting the growing demand for evidence of sustainability credentials from both international and domestic markets, the AASF helps the Australian agriculture secure expand trade opportunities while maintaining its social license.

The AASF consists of 17 Principles that represent fundamental aspects of sustainable agriculture. 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. 

These Principles, representing the desired outcomes for the industry, are underpinned by 43 Criteria, which outline the essential conditions that uphold each Principle. Notably, the AASF adopts a ‘continuum’ approach, treating all elements of the framework as part of a spectrum for comprehensive whole-of-industry sustainability reporting.