Overview
The Environmental Champions Program (ECP) is a voluntary
innovative improvement program designed by farmers for farmers! The five level achievement
program aims to recognise growers for their environmental
stewardship, while combining all existing regional environmental programs, best management
practices and requirements of relevant government agencies and irrigation bodies into a
streamlined process.
The five-level program aims to demonstrate the link between environmental stewardship and
improved business productivity, as well as link in with farm economics, trade and market
opportunities.
The ECP, designed for rice based farming systems, is
unique in the degree of cooperation it has had in its development. Every element within the
program has the collective approval of all irrigation bodies within the rice growing
regions, government agencies (i.e. those managing natural resources, wildlife conservation,
agricultural extension), rice systems research, catchment management, non-government bodies, local green groups, RGA staff and most importantly – farmers!
The program will provide recognition of grower’s efforts,
achieve on farm benefits and lead to regional landscape
improvement – working towards a sustainable rice industry for future generations.
To watch videos on the ECP including Case Studies
click here. |
