Pathways

Nine key management pathways have been identified as priorities of the industry.

Each pathway has incremental targets over 5 levels allowing farmers to be recognised if they already meet certain targets or alternatively, have the opportunity to build their skills and knowledge to improve their performance in that particular area depending on their business priorities.

Landholders complete a number of Self Assessment Tools which allow them to measure their farm performance against the industry agreed standards. When they meet them, they apply for recognition at each level through an independent assessment process.

9 Key Management Pathways

	Chemical		Air Quality
	Water Use		Product Quality
	Farm Planning		Soil Health
	Environmental Risk		Environmental Services
	Biodiversity

The 5 Levels

Within each of the management pathways, the five levels of the ECP support farmers and improve knowledge and skills in a step-wise manner.

In the first level, the program addresses critical issues of compliance with legislation and licence agreements. It then moves into the more formal components of EMS with risk analysis, action planning, environmental protection and mitigation, monitoring and continuous improvement.

At the higher levels, farmers are encouraged to look at specific aspects of eco-efficiency, greenhouse gas abatement, biodiversity enhancement and accounting for ecosystem service improvements on farm.

In the highest level the farmers reach beyond the farm to consider trade-offs, trade, regional programs for environmental improvement and contributions to catchment goals.

For the farmer the benefits will be seen in on farm savings and a better business through more holistic management.