Aligning with a whole-of-horticulture approach
The Australian-grown Horticulture Sustainability Framework provides a logical process to measure how Australian horticulture is tracking on key sustainability issues. The Australian macadamia industry is using the framework to guide the development of sustainability practices specific to macadamia production.
With this information, Australian horticulture, its industries and businesses can:
- Measure and track the sustainability of their production systems
- Work towards safe, ethical and environmentally sustainable production practices
- Find simplified ways to gather or model data on the sustainability metrics of production systems to meet supply chain needs and reduce burden on individual growers
- Work together on common challenges across the sector
- Target research
- Tell their story of sustainable production
- Protect and grow access to investment and finance
- Strengthen relationships and transparency with stakeholders.
This sustainability framework has identified four pillars with 17 topics significant to the sustainable production of nuts, fruits and vegetables in Australia while also aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
Nourish & Nurture recognises the role of Australian horticultural produce in improving diets, health and wellbeing by providing safe, quality food and greenlife.
People & Enterprise identifies the strong links between the people, enterprises, communities and economic value of Australian-grown horticulture.
Planet & Resources focusses on sustainable agricultural practices by reducing any impacts on the natural environment and on the dependence of horticultural production on resources, biosecurity.
Less waste is about reducing all forms of waste in horticultural production and resilience to climatic variability.
The framework was developed following in-depth consultation with producers, employees, industry peak bodies, service and input suppliers, and researchers. Financers and investors, marketers and exporters, retailers, governments, and consumers also had input.
Sustainability in the Australian nut industry
Sustainability has been, and will continue to be, an ongoing priority for the entire Australian nut industry.
The industry is committed to producing quality nuts, whilst being mindful of our stewardship role of the planet’s finite resources. Like other agricultural industries, the nut industry is dependent on natural resources, so makes every effort to use them wisely.
More information about the nut industry’s initiatives, and its commitment to the planet is available via the Nuts for Life Sustainability Hub.
