Program Structure

The program is structured so that it is carried out over five levels, addressing nine management pathways. In brief, each level outlined below contains different actions to be undertaken to gain credit for that level.

Level 1: Basic Industry Standards

Level 1 involves meeting a range of legislative and policy targets. Most farmers will find they are already undertaking some of these actions. Activities will include chemical training & storage, irrigation education, meeting crop delivery standards and irrigation licence requirements and a biodiversity farm assessment identifying existing biodiversity on your farm.

Level 2: Planning for Beyond Industry Standards

The second level is about planning and establishing strategies that will enable responsible environmental management. Activities will include identifying risks on farm, better water use efficiency, ground water monitoring, off farm drainage, planning (including biodiversity), improved stubble management and undertaking a whole farm plan.

Level 3: Putting Plans into Action & Enhancing Biodiversity on Farm

The third level is about putting plans developed in Level 2 into practice. A large focus of Level 3 is on biodiversity activities. Activities will include installing recycling systems, biodiversity recovery, addressing salinity and soils issues, and undertaking some greenhouse reduction activities (which will lead to cost savings on farm).

Level 4: Trade, Innovation & Eco- Efficiencies

This level will incorporate activities that provide a financial return to the grower as well as an environmental return. Activities will include energy efficiency, renewable energy use and generation, addressing waste and water issues, and reducing greenhouse gases.

Level 5: Regional Efforts towards Catchment Sustainability

This level will involve farmers partnering or working in conjunction with others to achieve environmental outcomes for the whole region, not just on farm. Activities may include looking at land use options on a regional scale, engaging in carbon & salinity trade, and addressing other landscape and river issues.