8.6 Policy Goals
Government policy concerning agriculture and the environment appears to be predicated on two goals. Firstly, agriculture can be modified to improve environmental outcomes, and secondly agricultural competitiveness can be enhanced by increasing compliance with evolving consumer tastes and demands in a cost effective manner that is recognised by consumers. Given these objectives, government seeks to play a facilitative role. It is recognised that a host of farmers, firms, and agencies are involved in policy and management initiatives to these ends. It is clear that these initiatives, which are of a voluntary nature have the potential to complement regulatory action, educational initiatives and policy statements in achieving goals in a cost effective manner. The fundamental questions which then arise are:
Do EMS/QMS systems enhance competitiveness and improve environmental outcomes?
Can EMS/QMS systems be improved to more effectively enhance the improvement of environmental outcomes.
The answering of these questions depends in large part on what environmental outcomes and what matters of competitiveness government is concerned about. If these goals are clearly stated then it is possible to monitor changes in performance indicators, and how EMS/QMS systems have contributed towards such changes.
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