Becoming a Champion
The Four Steps
There are four steps for a landholder to go through (for each level) in
order to become an Environmental Champion.
1. Introductory meeting (for a cluster group)
An initial meeting is held to introduce the program including what the
ECP is, why it was developed and what is involved.
This will give potential group members a chance to ask questions and decide if they want to
be involved.
2. Self assessment review
One of the first steps participants of the program will
need to do is to complete a self-assessment review of the level to identify how many of the program’s
activities have already been undertaken on the farm. This then identifies any gaps that need
to be filled for the farm to be recognised. The same process will be undertaken for each
level.
3. Begin activities
When gaps are identified, participants then work at
their own pace to meet those additional requirements. Many of the first groups have worked
together to come up with ideas, or joined forces in purchasing materials to save money.
Setting group targets for completion has also been a good motivational tool to get things
done.
4. Recognition
When a farm meets all the requirements for a Level there is a simple
application form to gain recognition by the Program. The application form requires either
first party or second party audit evidence to substantiate claims such as photos, copies of
chemical records etc. This is to ensure that the program is credible, fair
and is
respected by landholders.
The recognition process is designed to utilise existing evidence already
collected by growers, requiring minimal time to collate & is independently verified by a
certified body to ensure the process is credible. A regional assessment panel collectively
agrees upon the level of evidence required for each action within a level which is
continually reviewed.
Once growers have been officially recognised they
receive a gate sign and a certificate. The sign has one star when it is awarded for level 1
and additional stars can be added as the farm is recognised for higher levels. Gate
signs help to promote discussion amongst neighbours and encourage interest in the program. |
