Food Agility, Charles Sturt University, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), and Agricultural Innovation Australia (AIA) are working together to establish the standards, methodology and data required to develop an industry-specific definition for regenerative agriculture.
When created, the definition will use existing data to support the ongoing efforts to prove what Australian farmers have long claimed; that their agrifood products are sustainably produced.
Charles Sturt AgriPark Executive Director Nick Pagett said this work will strengthen Australia’s image on the global stage.
“A recognised and accepted definition of existing and long-held practices, such as regenerative agriculture, will enhance the reputation of our growers and protect their position in export markets.”
Food Agility Chief Executive Officer Dr Mick Schaefer said this investment will build on the existing work completed by industry.
“The successful projects will focus on the metrics and systems required to measure sustainability credentials across the full agrifood supply chain. That includes methane emissions, soil carbon, and deforestation reporting,” said Dr Schaefer.
NFF Chief Executive Officer Tony Mahar said clarity will be a key outcome and alignment with the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework will further demonstrate consistency to an industry being bombarded by ever increasing demands for information.
AIA Chief Executive Officer Sam Brown said cross-sector collaboration was vital to achieving consensus in areas that impact multiple commodities.
“This initiative will bring stakeholders from across agriculture together around a common language, terminology and framework, which importantly, will reflect Australian conditions and practices.” Food Agility and Charles Sturt will collaborate with new and existing agrifood partners to address this challenge beginning with Coolum-based biologicals company Terragen (ASX: TGH), which has a strong focus on improving the sustainability outcomes of existing agricultural practices.
Food Agility and Charles Sturt, in partnership with AIA and NFF, will host the Regenerative Agriculture Leaders' Forum in Wagga Wagga, NSW on Thursday 31 October, following the completion of the Digital Agrifood Summit.
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Project enquires: To discuss a potential project, please contact projects@foodagility.com
