Western Australian growers with sensitive production systems are reminded to register their property with the Sensitive Sites service.
The Department of Agriculture and Food provides the free service to help accurately report on the location of known sensitive agricultural production systems.
A sensitive site is a commercial property that needs special consideration due to the nature of the production system. Examples include certified organic, certified biodynamic, aquaculture, horticulture, viticulture and tree nurseries.
Department project officer Katherine Smart said the Sensitive Sites service assisted growers to prepare informed risk assessment and risk mitigation plans for their ongoing production activities.
“Additionally, the service enables them to help protect sensitive agricultural production systems in their area,” she said.
The department updates Sensitive Sites information annually, with approximately 240 properties listed with the service in 2014.
The registration period for growers to register their property as a Sensitive Site for the 2015 map runs from now until 10 January 2015.
“The department will contact all growers currently registered as a Sensitive Site to remind them to check their registration and advise us of any changes, but we also welcome registrations from new participants,” Ms Smart said.
She added while the Sensitive Sites service provided an additional information source for producers, it was important that they continue to communicate directly with their neighbours.
Producers who wish to register for Sensitive Sites 2015 should send an email to [email protected] or contact Katherine Smart on +61 (0)8 9368 3871 or Imma Farre on +61 (0)8 9363 4682.
The current Sensitive Sites map can be viewed at agric.wa.gov.au/sensitivesites
Source: DAFWA