A conceptual framework for sustainable agriculture

This chapter presents a conceptual framework to reconnect the linkage between urban and rural communities, sustainable food production and healthy ecosystems. The framework provides a means to contribute to the social licence to farm through the streamlining and harmonisation of reporting requirements and the creation of a recognition system for sustainable food and fibre products and equitable cost sharing of public good ecosystem services. The conceptual framework is not presented as the definitive design. Rather it is intended as a stimulus to further development of a unified national approach, which harmonises and streamlines key elements. The research presented in this chapter was developed through a collaborative case study with Macintyre Brook irrigators in Queensland. This led to the development of a framework subsequently tested through national and state-based focus groups. This research was undertaken as part of the CRC for Irrigation Futures System Harmonisation Program. The chapter outlines the issues involved in the creation of an integrated framework for evaluation and formal recognition of the sustainability outcomes of farming. It then considers how such a system might be created by harmonising existing public and private sector arrangements. Finally, the chapter reports some preliminary responses to the conceptual framework from discussion groups. Together, these elements suggest that it is possible to create a more comprehensive system to objectively monitor (and reward) farm sustainability.