TNQ Drought Hub
James Cook University Australia
Search

Mackay 'ESG on Farm' workshop fosters ESG awareness and understanding within the Australian agricultural industry

In a significant stride towards building drought resilience in the agricultural sector, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework expert and TNQ Drought Hub Senior Research Officer Ana Leite De Almeida delivered an “ESG on Farm” workshop to producers in the Mackay region, on 8th December 2023.

In collaboration with hub Node Reef Catchments, the workshop was the first in a series that will be hosted by the hub across the region aimed at fostering ESG awareness and understanding within the Australian agricultural industry.

A diverse group of 16 participants, including farmers and industry representatives from the Sugar sector actively engaged in the workshop. Ana presented the essential concepts around ESG, illustrating how it can add value to their sugar products and open up new sustainable markets.

“Addressing sustainability challenges has become a critical issue for Australian producers,” said Ms Leite De Almeida.

“The concept of ESG is not new, but the Australian agricultural industry is a late adopter. Previously ESG efforts have been focused on corporations and large businesses, rather than at producers and landholders.”

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to trial a hub-developed framework tool enabling them to complete a ESG materiality assessment which aims to help them identify and prioritse ESG themes relevant to their business.

The day concluded with valuable discussions on how imperative it is for the industry to collaborate and integrate ESG practices in order to demonstrate sustainability credentials, create carbon and biodiversity credit opportunities, and improve return on investment.

Producers, farmers and land managers are encouraged to contribute to a quick 2-minute ESG survey to share insights on how they are integrating ESG practices and key ESG issues impacting Australian farmers.

Find out more about “ESG on Farm” or contact Ana ana.leitedealmeida@jcu.edu.au

The TNQ Drought Hub remains committed to developing educational materials that empower producers, farmers, and land managers to understand and integrate ESG analyses into their farming practices. Together, we can enhance sustainability and pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable food production system.

Images: Reef Catchments and TNQ Drought Hub