Demonstration of sustainability is now well and truly embedded in mainstream investment as a demonstration of protection of future profits and shareholder attractiveness. Sustainable practices are often inherent or implicit at the farm and farm business level. However, the broader sustainability investment focus is bringing a new context to the way those practices are defined, measured, monitored, and ultimately rewarded.

The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) is a unique piece of work which aims to provide a ‘translation layer’ between farm practices, markets and the community by drawing together information about Australian agricultural sustainability under a cohesive set of recognised principles and criteria. The framework aims to ensure consistency across multiple schemes, programs and other initiatives. It does not replace existing industry frameworks or certification schemes, but rather seeks to elevate these to a wider audience. While other sustainability initiatives exist which reference agriculture or are commodity-focused, this is the first country-specific framework to address sustainability from a whole-of-agriculture perspective.

Development of the AASF has been coordinated by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), funded by a grant from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE), as part of the Australian Government’s Agriculture Biodiversity Stewardship Package.

The AFI has played a strategic role in bringing the AASF to its current state. While not yet operational, the current iteration of the AASF clearly identifies 17 overarching principles of sustainability for the Australian agriculture industry under the themes of environmental stewardship; people, animals and community; and economic resilience. These principles are underpinned by 43 criteria; i.e. conditions to be met for a principle to be upheld.