Media Release

June 8, 2006

It may not reach the giddy heights of the Da Vinci Code blockbuster, but if the initial response is any indication, Australia’s horticultural sector has a hit new publication on its hands. Horticulture for Tomorrow today officially released the first attempt to establish a national industry-wide approach for developing and recognising sound environmental and natural resource management in the horticultural sector. Guidelines for Environmental Assurance in Australian Horticulture was due to be launched at 1pm at a gathering of national and local industry leaders in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, Sussan Ley. The culmination of two years’ work, the comprehensive publication has been developed by the Horticulture for Tomorrow project to help growers link production targets with their care for the environment as an integral part of daily business management. The national project was managed by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) in partnership with industry, and funded by the Natural Heritage Trust, through the Australian Government’s Pathways to Industry EMS Program. “Initial feedback from the 30 or more industry sectors which HAL represents across fruit, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery and extractive crops, indicates that growers have been eagerly awaiting today,” said HAL Chair Dr Nigel Steele Scott. “In fact we have been overwhelmed by the support offered by industry organisations to help promote the guidelines, and judging by the enthusiastic response project team members have been receiving so far, the first print run is going to be in high demand,” he said. “The guidelines will be particularly useful to growers thinking about implementing an environmental management system but who don’t know where to start and are looking for a practical approach with minimal paperwork. They will also be very useful for growers who are already on the way and keen to assess their progress.” “It has been a truly collaborative effort and the industry should feel very proud of its achievement,” Dr Steele Scott said. Horticulture Australia Council (HAC) Chair Stuart Swaddling believes the user-friendly publication will be popular with growers who are keen to gain recognition for sound practices. “Many Australian growers have been working towards ‘clean and green’ production standards for a long time, but they are facing increasing pressure from their customers and consumers to be able to prove it. These guidelines will become a valuable tool to help growers do just that,” Mr Swaddling said.
“They will help growers to bridge the gap between production targets, environmental management and community and buyer expectations.” Mr Swaddling said it had been quite a challenge to develop guidelines that could be generically applied across Australia and were not product or region specific. “But feedback from growers involved in the trials indicates the project has been successful in creating a resource that is practical, flexible and easy to read, and can be easily integrated into existing quality assurance systems and complement existing schemes,” he said. “It provides a simple structure for farm businesses to undertake their own risk assessments and implement environmental assurance at their own pace and in a way best suited to their enterprise.” More than 190 growers across Australia and some 40 industry representatives and technical experts from a wide range of enterprises were involved in trials to provide input on a draft version. The final version includes a review checklist to record progress and identify priorities for action and information about risk assessment, suggested practices, monitoring and recording eight key areas, including soil, nutrients, water, chemicals, biodiversity, waste, air and energy. The guidelines are available in a folder format and on CD. Horticultural growers, levy payers and peak industry body representatives will pay a subsidised cost of $22, including postage and handling. For others, the cost is $80, including postage and handling. CDs can be purchased separately for $11. All prices are GST inclusive. For more information or to order a copy call HAL on (02) 8295 2300, fax Alison Turnbull at HAL on (02) 8295 2399, or send an email to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .Further information is also available by visiting the www.horticulturefortomorrow.com.au ENDS To organise an interview or for more information contact Porter Novelli on (08) 8272 8699 – Alex Telfer 0438 308 361 or Liz Kellaway 0409 674 941. Photos from the launch event are available electronically by contacting Alex Telfer at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it