A new smartphone app released last week aims to help farmers manage their land sustainably.
According to peak Australian horticulture body AUSVEG, the new EnviroVeg app is the first comprehensive environmental management application developed for Australian farmers and aims to put plans in place to monitor areas such as energy and water use.
The EnviroVeg app is free to download on the Apple App store and allows farmers to record data such as chemical application schedules and environmental plans on their smartphone while out on their property.
Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt officially launched the application at an event held at prominent Victorian vegetable growing operation and member of the EnviroVeg program, Gazzola Farms.
“The EnvrorVeg program is a great example of the vegetable industry taking action to support farmers with the environmental management of their farms,” says Hunt.
The EnviroVeg program, initiated by AUSVEG, 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,” Hunt adds.
“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.”
AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy says the local vegetable industry is well ahead of other agricultural industries by having a comprehensive environmental program in place.
“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,” he says.
Visit EnviroVeg’s website for more information.