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How many more systems?. Jane Lovell TQA Australia. Overview. Food safety, quality and environmental assurance Where are we now? Where are we going? How can we do it better?. Where are we now?…. International perspective. Where are we going? Internationally…. Carbon labelling
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How many more systems? Jane Lovell TQA Australia
Overview Food safety, quality and environmental assurance Where are we now? Where are we going? How can we do it better?
Where are we going? Internationally….. Carbon labelling Carbon Trust – PAS 2050 ISO 14067 - underdevelopment GHG Protocol WRI/WBCSD Aeon – “Global Warming Prevention Declaration” Casino – preparing for mandatory environmental labelling in France EC – role of carbon footprinting in European climate policy Greenpeace – piloting labelling in Austria with organic as the best case standard
Where are we going? History shows we follow UK / European trends Sustainability is on the agenda Ethical procurement Woolworths ethical audits Coles ethical questionnaire Environmental management Carbon footprinting Planet Ark Carbon Reduction Label – partnership with Carbon Trust
Consumers NRM / NGO’s Retailer Retailer Agrifood business Primary producer Soil Water Air
How can we do it better? Stop being driven Be proactive and consultative Work together across the supply chain
Environmental Systems Recognition Framework NOT another system
Water Soil Air Primary producer Agrifood business Retailer Retailer
Aim of the project to develop a credible means of recognising on farm environmental certification systems that meet the requirements of major domestic customers to avoid the need for Australian primary producers to implement and manage multiple environmental management systems
Benefits provides clarity on systems that meet retailer / agrifood business environmental requirements allows producers to implement a single system to meet the requirements of multiple retailers / agrifood businesses maximises the options for producers and maximises the supply base for retailers / agrifood businesses minimises the time spent on compliance and increases resources available to environmentally responsible farming practices “recognition” process is independent and credible
The framework - development process Steering Committee appointed Meetings with major domestic retailers Review of systems / tools Domestic and international Draft framework Feedback sought (industry, retailers, NRM organisations etc) Draft framework Develop and pilot recognition process Workshop November 2009 Draft framework Feedback sought Industry endorsement sought
Scope All the horticultural farming activities that happen on the farm up to and including harvest
Areas addressed Chemical management Fertiliser and soil additive management Land and soil management Water management Biodiversity
Areas addressed Waste and pollution management Energy Climate change Internal system management System integrity control Auditors
Structure of the framework Banner statements Compliance criteria
1. Chemical management 1.1 Agricultural chemicals Agricultural chemicals are handled, stored, used and disposed of in a responsible manner, minimising the risk of environmental contamination
1.1 Agricultural chemicalsCompliance criteria 1.1.1 The use of chemical control methods are justified, through crop monitoring or a recognised preventative program. Records of application and justification are required. 1.1.2Non-chemical control methods are implemented where possible. Records of actions are required.
Recognition process Developing a credible process Reviewed existing benchmarking systems Talked to key stakeholders Secured a reputable and experience “benchmarker” Two stages – desk audit and verification (on site and / or with certification bodies)
Progress Retailers interested Want industry support for the initiative before progressing further
Support for the initiative can be shown in a number of ways, endorsement of: the concept of “recognising” environmental systems that meet retailer / agribusiness requirements. the eleven areas covered in the version 6.4 of the framework as critical to proving sound environmental management. the banner statements included in version 6.4 of the framework. the compliance criteria included in version 6.4 of the framework.
Interested? Current project ceases 31 May 2010 Copies of framework available today If you think there is merit in this project please contact me jane.lovell@tqainc.com.au 0419 554 047