Protecting land and water

Best management practices

Best management practices Industry certifications and best practice programs aim to improve environmental performance and productivity. Key achievements include:

Hort360 Reef certification: RFM has maintained certification across RFF Maryborough and Bauple orchards. The achievement of Hort360 Water Quality certification at Beerwah recognises RFM’s adoption of best management practices in nutrient, sediment, pesticide and water management to improve water quality and demonstrate environmental stewardship. Certification for Rookwood developments is underway, with the goal of completing the requirements and achieving full Hort360 Reef certification by the end of FY26.

‍MyBMP certification: RFM is progressing toward MyBMP certification for cotton operations, Australia’s benchmark for responsible, efficient, and sustainable cotton production. By participating, RFM is ensuring operations meet rigorous standards across 10 key areas, including water management, integrated pest management, soil health, and biodiversity. Through MyBMP, RFM is not only improving on-farm performance, but also ensuring that our cotton is grown sustainably, ethically, and with care for the environment. This certification confirms that RFM’s practices meet the high standards set by the industry. RFM anticipates achieving accreditation by the end of the calendar year.

‍Bee friendly farming: RFF macadamia orchards are currently working towards bee friendly farming certification and have expanded native bee colonies to support pollination and biodiversity. Integrated pest management practices underpin both bee friendly farming and Hort360 certifications by targeting pesticide use and supporting sustainable crop yields. This certification requires farms to provide diverse forage, create suitable habitats and reduce the use of harmful chemicals to protect bees. Bee friendly farming certification is important because healthy pollinators enhance crop yields, support biodiversity and contribute to the long-term sustainability and productivity of orchards. RFM initiated the certification process in FY25 and completion is expected in the coming months.

Valuing natural capital - Tocabil update

Following the initial progress outlined in the FY22 RFF Annual Report, the Tocabil Sandhill Pine Woodlands Restoration project has now reached a successful conclusion. Over the past three years, the project has achieved its objectives of protecting and enhancing the 95-hectare Sandhill Pine Woodlands area, a listed Endangered Ecological Community.

RFM worked with Western Local Land Services (WLLS) to regenerate this ecological community by direct seeding endemic species, controlling pest rabbits and weeds, and managing stock grazing pressure. The dominant species, white cypress pines, are now naturally regenerating across the site, and the mixed species of shrubs and less abundant trees have established steadily (see images below).¹ The erection of fencing in 2023 has given existing plants that were previously grazed back the opportunity to grow. Successive years of above-average rainfall has also supported the natural regeneration of pines and other native understorey species.

With the vegetation now established and rehabilitation targets achieved, WLLS has concluded its direct involvement in the project. RFM will continue to monitor and control weed species at the site, with WLLS continuing to monitor the project through to 2028. The site is now well placed for ongoing ecological stability, fulfilling the restoration goals set at the outset.