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Environmental practices given a boost in Adelaide's food bowl
Greenhill Vineyards and Orchards is just one business involved in the EMS project
Former AMLR Regional Coordinator Geoff Rogers with vineyard owner Grant Wotton
Red grapes on vines
Apple, pear, cherry and grape growers across South Australia’s Mt Lofty Ranges have developed and trialled an Environmental Management System (EMS) that they believe will produce better environmental and business results.
Over three years from 2003, some 32 horticultural enterprises in the high rainfall region known as the ‘food bowl’ of Adelaide tested the potential of EMS to improve production efficiencies and protect natural resources.
A crucial aim was to improve water quality in the region, which forms Adelaide's water supply catchment, supplying over half of the city's water needs. It also aimed to cut water use and greenhouse gas emissions, increase soil health and conserve native flora and fauna.
Funding
The Apple and Pear Growers Association of SA received about $481,000 for the trial from the Australian Government under its Environmental Management System National Pilot program.
A range of other organisations took part including the Adelaide Hills Wine Region, the Cherry Growers of SA, the Onkaparinga Catchment Water Management Board, the SA Wine and Brandy Industry Association, the EPA, Primary Industries and Resources SA and the CRC for Viticulture.
Activities
General Manager of the Apple and Pear Growers Association of South Australia, Trevor Ranford said an EMS provided a structured approach to planning and implementing environmental protection.
“To develop one, an organisation has to assess its environmental impacts, set targets to reduce these and plan how to achieve the targets,” Trevor said.
A key aim of the project was to make an EMS relevant to growers.
“We held field days and workshops, and site visits gave growers a chance to show how they were reducing their environmental impacts, so people could learn from what others were doing,” Trevor said.
“With input from growers we've produced a guide for implementing an EMS and a tool for identifying and managing risks such as pesticides and fertilisers.”
Achievements
Trevor said participants were enthusiastic about the results of the project.
“There's far greater awareness of the environmental impacts of certain actions,” he said. “This has led to a range of practical steps such as improved irrigation practices, reduced chemical use, and better waste management and storage.”
“And by putting an EMS in place many orchardists can export to the United Kingdom because they now meet stringent European standards.”
The challenge was to introduce EMS more broadly across the region.
More information
- Trevor Ranford, General Manager Apple and Pear Growers Association of SA: (08) 8349 4556 or aplnpear@ozemail.com.au
- Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed EMS
- Department of the Environment and Water Resources EMS
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