Agricultural production is dependent on the natural environment and has significant impacts upon it, accounting for 55% of Australia’s land use and 74% of water consumption. While we recognise the significant value provided by agriculture to the Australian economy, employment and food security, it has been a major driver of biodiversity loss in Australia – as it has been worldwide.

Such losses in Australia have occurred as a result of extensive historical land clearing, ongoing land clearing and land degradation, widespread livestock grazing, the impacts of feral animals, and other (often related) drivers of decline.

However, those managing agricultural land also have the opportunity to promote and steward biodiversity, and many already do. Encouraging and supporting these good practices is key to demonstrating genuine sustainability in agriculture.

The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework represents a unique opportunity to support a transition to biodiverse agricultural systems, thereby securing premium market access and responding to consumer preferences.

In this submission, we present key points and recommendations relating to the AASF consultation paper.