Abstract
There has been significant growth in interest in agricultural investments by corporate entities. Whilst, in response to investor demand, there has been a general tendency for these and other corporate entities to enhance their disclosure of sustainability-related information, soil has been largely overlooked. At present, relatively few corporate agribusinesses disclose detailed soil-related information within their corporate disclosures. There is also a general lack of guidance from sustainability reporting bodies on the provision of relevant soil disclosures. This invisibility of soil health and stewardship within corporate reporting has contributed to a broader lack of appreciation of soil-related risks and financial incentives for soil stewardship.
This presentation will provide an overview of a project which sought to explore opportunities to enhance corporate soil reporting practices. To achieve this aim, we conducted a series of in-depth interviews with a sample of representatives from Australian corporate agribusinesses and investment entities. These interviews explored the significance of soil to agri-investment decisions and sought to prioritise the most viable ways by which corporate agribusiness could disclose relevant soil-related information to investors and other stakeholders.
Interviewees confirmed the growing recognition of the significance of soil health in sustaining agricultural productivity. There was strong support for enhanced soil reporting by agribusiness and the disclosure of soil-related risks, strategies, metrics and targets. This being said, given the diverse and complex nature of soils, respondents acknowledged the difficulty associated with reaching consensus on the definition of soil health. Should soil reporting be enhanced, there was a preference for soil-related information which is simple, concise and communicated in terms which are familiar to investors. Furthermore, any information communicated to investors should not be above and beyond the kinds of information which is already used by agribusinesses for their own management purposes.
This presentation will provide an overview of a project which sought to explore opportunities to enhance corporate soil reporting practices. To achieve this aim, we conducted a series of in-depth interviews with a sample of representatives from Australian corporate agribusinesses and investment entities. These interviews explored the significance of soil to agri-investment decisions and sought to prioritise the most viable ways by which corporate agribusiness could disclose relevant soil-related information to investors and other stakeholders.
Interviewees confirmed the growing recognition of the significance of soil health in sustaining agricultural productivity. There was strong support for enhanced soil reporting by agribusiness and the disclosure of soil-related risks, strategies, metrics and targets. This being said, given the diverse and complex nature of soils, respondents acknowledged the difficulty associated with reaching consensus on the definition of soil health. Should soil reporting be enhanced, there was a preference for soil-related information which is simple, concise and communicated in terms which are familiar to investors. Furthermore, any information communicated to investors should not be above and beyond the kinds of information which is already used by agribusinesses for their own management purposes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 42 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 26 Jun 2023 |
| Event | Soil Science Australia National Conference 2023 - Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin, Australia Duration: 25 Jun 2023 → 30 Jun 2023 https://conference.soilscienceaustralia.org.au/ https://conference.soilscienceaustralia.org.au/2023-program/ https://conference.soilscienceaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-SSA-Poster-Abstract-Book.pdf (Poster abstract book) https://conference.soilscienceaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-SSA-Oral-Abstract-Book.pdf (Oral abstract book) https://conference.soilscienceaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-SSA-Program-v8.0-2.pdf (Program) |
Conference
| Conference | Soil Science Australia National Conference 2023 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | Our soil: Spirit of a nation |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Darwin |
| Period | 25/06/23 → 30/06/23 |
| Other | Join us in Darwin for the Soil Science Australia National Conference “Our Soil: Spirit of a Nation”. For the first time in its history, Soil Science Australia is holding its biennial national conference in the Northern Territory. The theme for 2023 is ‘Our Soil: Spirit of a Nation’. It promises to be a unique Top End experience! Program Speakers Sponsors Delegates will be able to enjoy the Darwin lifestyle and iconic natural environments of the north; explore and understand the important relationships between land, soil and culture of First Nations People; gain rare insight into Top End soils and their land uses in an ancient but flourishing landscape. With an emphasis on northern rangelands, the conference provides a fantastic opportunity for delegates to Gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by land managers in the Top End. Enjoy a unique array of presentations as well as a hands-on experience during field tours. Join hundreds of other delegates on Larrakia Country to experience this unique north Australian experience! |
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Grant Number
- 103039
