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BestFarms Environmental Management Systems

BestFarms is an Environmental Management System that was developed by the Blackwood Basin Group (BBG) in 2003 in response to the growing need to demonstrate environmentally sustainable production. BestFarms will assist landowners to identify and address environmental issues on their properties for the long term.

BestFarms is dedicated to providing a systematic approach to farming and other land use practices that will sustain environmental values and profitability.

The BBG is a community managed, not-for-profit natural resource management organisation, based in the south west of Western Australia, that is dedicated to providing positive and practical solutions to the environmental challenges farmers are facing.

The Blackwood Basin Group developed BestFarms in 2003 to help landholders develop, implement and structure environmental management systems on their properties across the Southwest of WA.

The Blackwood Basin is the largest catchment area in the Southwest and covers 23,500 square kilometers.

Participants identify environmental impacts occurring on their property and identify ways to address those issues. There are currently over 80 landholders implementing the EMS system in the Southwest and BestFarms holds regular training workshops and field days free of charge. If you are interested in becoming a BestFarm participant or would like further information, please contact the BestFarm team at the BBG office or check out the

Over 100 landholders in the southwest of Western Australia are currently implementing BestFarms systems on their properties. Participants range from small landholders with one acre to broadscale farmers and other industries such as certified organic, viticulture and horticulture. BestFarms is a flexible system that will help you manage environmental impacts on your property, no matter how big or small or your land use.

By developing individual 'environmental farm action plans' for your property and implementing landcare, monitoring and best management activities, you can ensure the sustainability of your businesses and property for the future.

Blackwood Basin Group wins Australian Business Award

BestFarms Environmental Management Systems (EMS), a flagship project of the Blackwood Basin Group, has been recognised with the Australian Business Award for Environmental Responsibility in its industry category at the 2007 Awards. The Awards showcase organisations that demonstrate the core values of business excellence, corporate responsibility and commercial success in their respective industries.
BestFarms was developed to assist landholders in managing environmental impacts on their properties and to gain recognition for their environmental stewardship. The BestFarms Project began in 2005 and has already conducted numerous workshops for over one hundred and twenty participants; helping to change land management practices and protect the environment across the South West of WA. Each BestFarms EMS workshop shows participants how to identify the environmental impacts on their property and to develop, implement and monitor an action plan which will provide a systematic and sustainable
approach to profitable environmental practices. Blackwood Basin Group’s Chairman Derek Dilkes said “This award is a great achievement and recognition of the hard work of the BestFarms team, as well as all of the landholders in the South West who have participated in the project.”