Sustainability measurement simplified for growers
Some cotton growers and their advisers want to start measuring sustainability, but many say they don’t know where to start. With dozens of reporting standards and different data requirements from banks, customers, and other stakeholders, sustainability can be confusing.
Growers also report frustration at being asked for the same data multiple times as requests increase from merchants, banks, and other organisations.
To make it easier, the industry has developed a revamped sustainability data framework. Over two years, multiple standards and guidelines were reviewed to create a list of around 150 potential indicators.
To make the framework practical for farms, the long list of industry indicators has been refined to 44 key farm indicators. These cover the main data points most value chain stakeholders will request, and also provide insights into the natural and human resources that farms rely on.
Cotton industry sustainability consultant Chris Cosgrove has developed this work with the Australian cotton industry to find a workable solution for farmers but also satisfies the various stakeholders wanting accurate details about sustainability outcomes.
“We are sharing these farm-scale sustainability indicators with farmers, agronomists and other farm advisers because we want to end the confusion. If everyone is measuring the same thing from the start, sustainability will be much clearer for everyone, while providing the most important insights into the natural and human resources they rely on.
“Nobody is forcing farmers or advisers to use this list but for those interested in measuring sustainability, and there are many who are, we think this is a great place to start.
“We’ve also started discussions with advisers on how this list can be refined and improved over time. Sustainability keeps changing so we know this list will change as well, but we want to make sure there is a process to refine this list with grower and adviser input to maintain consistency and coordination.”
Many farmers already have data for most of the indicators. Collecting it in one place will make future requests easier and support farm decision-making. It also helps growers get ready for the Australian Cotton Data Platform.
For growers wanting to take sustainability reporting further, a simple farm sustainability report template is also available. This optional tool aligns with climate- and nature-related financial disclosure standards, making reporting easier and consistent from the start, and in line with the sustainability language used by banks, customers and others in the value chain.
The Australian cotton sustainability framework, including both industry-scale and farm-scale indicators and the reporting template, is available for download
