EMS in the horticulture industry

<< EMS in Victorian Agriculture

Horticulture is a highly diverse industry, ranging from the production of small scale crops to the major volume products (such as stone fruit, tomatoes and potatoes). Recognition and understanding of EMS varies widely across the various sectors of the industry. There are a number of regional and commodity based initiatives occuring. Conversely, some sectors are taking their first steps in the Quality Assurance (QA) and/or EMS direction.

Summary of horticulture EMS-related projects in DPI & DSE

Apples: Integrated Fruit Production (IFP)
Developing a Regional EMS for the Yarra Valley
Strawberry (fruit & runner industries) best practices for soil, water and nutrients
Horticulture for Tomorrow
Exporters to European Retailers: EurepGAP

Apples: Integrated Fruit Production (IFP) Contact: David Williams, DPI Tatura, ph. 03 5833 5222 Funded by: Apple and Pear Australia Ltd (APAL) and Horticulture Australia (HA) Approach taken: This is an Australia-wide project, with a component based at Tatura. Intergated Fruit Production (IFP) guidelines are being modified to highlight links between best practice modules and relationship to EUREPGAP (Good Agricultural Practice). The project is currently identifying drivers and barriers of growers to IFP.

Developing a Regional EMS for the Yarra Valley Contact: Jane Fisher, DPI Knoxfield, ph. 03 9210 9243 Funded by: Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC) Approach taken: This project is developing a regional EMS across all industries in the Yarra Valley (viticulture, horticulture, nurseries, dairy, grazing, pigs, poultry). The project links with the 'Increasing the adoption of environmental BMP in horticulture' project and links to a regional branding project run by the Centre for Agribusiness and Swinburne University.

Strawberry (fruit & runner industries) best practices for soil, water and nutrients

Contact: Kym Mallamaci, DPI Woori Yallock, ph. 03 5954 4044 Funded by: State & Federal Government, Victorian Strawberry Industry Development Committee (VSIDC) Approach taken: The strawberry fruit industry has developed and distributed environmental management guidelines on soil, water and nutrient management. Three demonstration sites in the Yarra Valley and 1 on the Mornington Peninsula have been set up to compliment the guidelines. The industry is working towards a self-assessment tool and improved water use efficiency and nutrient management.

Strawberry runner industry are also developing guidelines for soil, water and nutrient management. They are also improving water use efficiency, decreasing soil erosion and undertaking whole farm plans. Strawberry growers in the Port Phillip, Western Port regions and the Yarra Valley and Yea catchments are involved.

Horticulture for Tomorrow

Contact: Gerard McEvilly, Horticulture Australia Ltd Funded by: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Approach Taken: The aims of the project are to clarify the current situation in relation to environmental assurance, to give producers the information from which to make informed decisions and to allow them to demonstrate their environmental credentials.

An Introductory Guide to Environmental Management in Australian Horticulture was completed and distributed to industry groups and growers in September 2004 A set of Draft Guidelines for implementing environmental assurance on-farm, including a checklist, was completed and launched in draft format at an Industry Summit on 16 November 2004 The Industry Summit was an event that gave a forum for industry representatives to discuss the future directions for environmental management in horticulture as a whole. Nearly all grower groups were represented at the summit. A series of grower trials to validate the Draft Guidelines will run from January 2005 to January 2006; the final guidelines will be produced in March 2006. The communications campaign will run the length of the project. The project was also involved in creating a dedicated website and ongoing communications with industry groups to ensure relevant issues were being addressed in the communications component of the project.

Exporters to European Retailers: EurepGAP

Contact: Anne-Maree Boland, DPI Knoxfield

Funded by: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Approach Taken:

‘Guidelines for implementing EurepGAP® for Australian Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Producers’ is now available at The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (see Publications / Food).

Related sites:

Apple & Pear Australia Ltd
Horticulture Australia
Horticulture for Tomorrow
Eurepgap website

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