The amount of record keeping for compliance continues to increase in intensity for Australian farmers.
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Some may grumble about the additional book work.
But many are embracing accreditation audits as another step in the process of proving to stakeholders throughout entire supply chains that landowners are farming sustainably and ethically for the future.
In Tasmania, we are proud to be working closely with an increasing number of our clients to achieve the Textile Exchange's voluntary Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) accreditation.
Only a short time ago, several of these growers were adamant that they would continue to mules their sheep.
Now, after taking time to speak to processors and better understand consumer expectations, they have committed to RWS principles - including the cessation of mulesing.
It is with great interest that growers are now discussing what the "next big thing" will be for the wool industry.
Many agree that the conversation will intensify around climate change, carbon sequestration and regenerative farming.
I am very proud of the significant achievements by many of our growers who have already set aside areas on their farms for conservation purposes, and are looking at opportunities to further reduce their carbon footprint.
The Schneider Group has been at the forefront of the sustainability debate through its strategy "Together 2030" and its release of the first carbon-neutral wool top in 2018.
The Group is continuing to offset and reduce carbon sequestration in its processing facilities, and is now moving towards including carbon sequestration in its Authentico Integrity Scheme for growers.
Another initiative that is gaining traction among growers is the Regenerative Fund for Nature (RFN).
This encourages farmers to transition from current agricultural practices that have a high impact on climate and nature to more regenerative practices.
The aim is to transition one million hectares of rangelands and cropping land into regenerative farming practices within five years.
Developed by Conservation International and global luxury group Kering - which is behind the development of brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and Bottega Veneta - the RFN links the future of the fashion industry with the future of agriculture.
Kering states that regenerative agricultural practices have been proven to "deliver the outcomes we need for climate, nature and livelihoods".
It says the RFN aims to show direct outcomes for nature, climate and livelihoods through transformed agricultural practices - and illustrate how the fashion sector can engage and support supply chain and sourcing actions that deliver positive outcomes.
Conservation International selected 17 priority countries, of which Australia is one, that are eligible to apply for grant funds for a project the delivers positive outcomes for species and ecosystem biodiversity, climate and soil.
The grants are open until April 30 - via www.kering.com/en/sustainability - and we encourage Australian farming groups and other stakeholders to apply.
This will help to ensure our nation's wool industry is globally recognised for its proactive leadership in sustainability and regenerative farming.
