Development of EMS for Horticulture Industries - 2004-2005

Part 1

Background

Despite the importance of EMS, there is a possibility that money spent on EMS projects may result in "over the top" systems being established here.  Benchmarking may be worthwhile even if it is for peace of mind.

Objective

The project had one primary objective:

  • Compare EMS systems used in the UK and determine the potential for these approaches in Australia.  LEAF and EMA are two systems used in the UK.  Benchmark this against what is happening in Australia.

Key Achievements

A report and seminar were delivered on the LEAF network and on the EMA system used in the UK.  The potential for a cheap, software based EMS system was explored in the seminar.

Part 2

Background

Environmental Management is a core value in any agricultural business and many of the processes that form good environmental practice are a normal part of doing business.  PIRSA has identified the need to do "the right thing" in environmental management and hence has asked that funds be used to complete the process.

Following up on discussions with SARDI Principal Scientist and under direction from PIRSA, Rural Solutions have been asked to look at the implementation of EMS systems on the horticultural research centres.  Given the time and budget available, a review and internal audit to the Eurepgap standard was the agreed level of implementation at Loxton, Lenswood and Nuriootpa Research Centres.

Objective

The project has three objectives:

  • Define an environmental policy for the horticultural Research Centres.
  • Develop an environmental specification.
  • Run through a single cycle of the PLAN, DO, IMPLEMENT and REVIEW cycle (using the Eurepgap standard).

Key Achievements

The property visit sheets identified improvements on each centre and these need to be completed.  Only minor work is required to maintain a good level of management against the Eurepgap standard.  No formal audit process is needed where markets for produce do not require it.

An annual review would benefit each site to ensure the work completed is continued.

Each Centre has also introduced the PAM farm management system to reduce duplication of records and this will be fully integrated over the next 12 months.

Project Leader:  David Pocock