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Free environmental management training for farmersThe Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has implemented an Environmental Management System (EMS) project designed to assist farmers assess and improve the environmental performance of their farm business. By Latrobe City Council - 28th August 2006 - Back to News Latrobe City’s pest plant co-ordinator, Chris Rankin, said that the project has been funded through the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust and the Victorian Government.
"An EMS is a means by which a farmer can provide evidence of a commitment to ongoing improvement of environmental management. It is an environment assurance.
"An EMS is a voluntary process which aims to achieve continual improvement in environmental and business performance. It starts with farmers conducting a self-assessment of the current state of their environmental management. This provides the basis for actions to address the key issues.
"The VFF project, called ‘Pathway to profitable and sustainable farming’ will enable farmers to understand the meaning of EMS, the background, and the potential benefits of having an EMS, as well as to help to begin establishing an EMS for their property. And, it is free to all farmers," Mr Rankin explained.
"We would encourage all interested landholders to investigate the potential benefits of this project and contact the EMS Pathways Officer for West Gippsland to find out more information," Mr Rankin concluded.
For further information contact Joan Wallis on 03 5662 9916 or 0429 007 240.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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