Elements and Performance Criteria
- Develop goals and objectives for an organic, biodynamic or biological enterprise
- Establish long-term direction and purpose of the business by identifying and analysing the values, expectations and personal goals of the people involved
- Identify business and personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and strategies to address them
- Investigate sources of information and support for conversion and plan the property conversion over a period of time including time lines and conversion costs
- Audit the existing and natural resources on the property
- Draw a property map to include land classes using classification terminology, fences and water systems, natural property features and infrastructure
- Conduct a risk assessment of previous land use and an inventory of chemicals applied or evidence of application on the site
- Identify areas at risk of soil degradation and develop strategies to protect the area
- Develop and implement strategies to improve the health and the regeneration of remnant vegetation to support a diversity of living systems
- Assess potential problem pests and weeds and use strategies to implement an eradication program, within the guidelines of the certification body
- Develop and implement grazing and cropping strategies to improve biodiversity, recycling and sustainability in an organic, biodynamic or biological farm
- Use soil test results to make recommendations for soil improvement with appropriate organic fertilisers and soil conditioners to ensure a mineral-balanced and healthy soil
- Develop and implement an annual grazing program and strategies to optimize pasture growth and animal production
- Develop and implement a strategy for the recycling of farm waste and effluent
- Assess soil biological activity and apply suitable preparations and grazing strategies to improve the soil biota
- Identify appropriate mulching and composting systems
- Design and implement a plan using crop rotations to optimise soil fertility
- Research the principles and application of biodynamic preparations
- Manage animal health and welfare for organic, biodynamic or biological production
- Plan strategies to preserve animal health including allowable treatments and grazing management in the short term and genetic improvement in the long term
- Maintain livestock records to identify treated animals, including a record of all treatments including homeopathic remedies
- Sustain the animal enterprise with pasture and suitable fodder and maintain consumption records to meet certification protocols
- Manage customer feedback and satisfaction with organic, biodynamic or biological product quality and integrity