Using the EMS process as an integrative farm management tool

The use of a management process, described in the Environmental Management System (EMS) standard AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004, to develop integrated farm management plans was examined on dairy farms in Australia. Key research questions were whether the 'Plan-Do-Check-Act' management cycle could: (i) adequately identify diverse target areas highlighted by a range of stakeholders, (ii) assist with setting on-farm management priorities and targets, as well as planning actions and monitoring and (iii) provide for integrated management across relevant business areas. Project outcomes demonstrated that the EMS process could identify diverse targets, highlight monitoring issues, guide development of integrated farm plans and achieve business, environmental and social outcomes. Using the EMS process, and supported by skilled and knowledgeable EMS mentors, farmers devised solutions to natural resource management issues that additionally addressed farm productivity and business issues. Increased adoption of management processes inherent in EMS should lead to enhanced integration of on-farm management of environmental, quality, occupational health and safety, and social issues. It could also assist in meeting and evaluating catchment, regulatory and community outcomes.