Minister launches new sustainability app for farmers
The EnviroVeg App, free to download on the Apple App Store, was developed as part of the EnviroVeg Program to allow farmers to record data such as chemical application schedules and environmental plans on their smartphone while out on their property.
Minister Hunt officially launched the application at an event held at prominent Victorian vegetable growing operation and member of the EnviroVeg program, Gazzola Farms. The EnviroVeg App is the first comprehensive environmental management application developed for Australian farmers and aims to help them put plans in place to monitor areas such as energy and water use.
“The EnviroVeg Program is a great example of the vegetable industry taking action to support farmers with the environmental management of their farms,” said Minister Hunt.
The EnviroVeg Program has over 400 members, representing over 50 per cent of Australia’s vegetable growing land.
“Our farmers play a significant role in environmental stewardship across Australia and access to the EnviroVeg App helps to make our growers more environmentally friendly. The app also helps farmers improve their bottom line by managing key environmental data like fertiliser records, water and energy management plans and monitoring pest and disease,” said Minister Hunt.
AUSVEG Chief Executive Officer, Richard Mulcahy, welcomed the Minister’s attendance at the event, saying that it provided important recognition of the Australian vegetable industry’s commitment to promoting environmentally-sustainable production practices.
“The Australian vegetable industry is well ahead of other agricultural industries by having a comprehensive environmental program in place, which demonstrates a commitment to good stewardship and responsibility in farming.”
“With over half of Australia’s vegetable producing land covered by the EnviroVeg Program, we have set a benchmark for other industries to aspire to,” said Mr Mulcahy.
The EnviroVeg App is now available on the Apple iTunes store at http://itunes.apple.com/
For further information on the EnviroVeg Program visit www.enviroveg.com