Environmental, Social, and Governance 

Locmaria Farms is committed to responsible and sustainable sheep farming practices that align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Our ESG policy ensures we operate in a way that benefits our environment, animals, employees, community, and stakeholders while maintaining high ethical and governance standards. 

Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship 

We recognize the impact of agriculture on climate change and are committed to sustainable practices that reduce our carbon footprint and protect natural resources. Our commitments include: 

  • Implementing regenerative grazing techniques to improve soil health and carbon sequestration. 

  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by improving livestock nutrition, breeding efficiency, and manure management. 

  • Minimizing water usage through efficient irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and drought-resilient farming methods. 

  • Protecting biodiversity by preserving native vegetation, preventing land degradation, and reducing chemical use. 

  • Utilizing renewable energy sources where possible, such as solar or wind power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. 

Animal Welfare 

The health and well-being of our livestock are fundamental to our business and ethical responsibilities. We adhere to best practices in animal welfare by: 

  • Following a comprehensive animal welfare policy. 

  • Providing adequate nutrition, clean water, and proper shelter to ensure the well-being of all livestock. 

  • Complying with and exceeding national animal welfare standards, including applying pain relief for procedures like tail docking, and always using non-mulesing alternatives. 

  • Monitoring livestock health closely. 

  • Avoiding unnecessary stress during handling, transportation, and shearing through training and low-stress techniques. 

  • Supporting research and innovation in sustainable and ethical sheep farming practices. 

Employees and Workplace Culture 

Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we are dedicated to fostering a safe, fair, and inclusive workplace. We commit to: 

  • Providing fair wages and working conditions in compliance with Australian labour laws. 

  • Ensuring a safe work environment through regular training, appropriate protective equipment, and adherence to workplace health and safety regulations. 

  • Promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background. 

  • Offering professional development and training to enhance employee skills and career growth. 

  • Encouraging a positive workplace culture that prioritizes respect, well-being, and work-life balance. 

Corporate Governance and Ethical Practices 

Strong governance is essential for the long-term sustainability and success of our business. We adhere to high ethical standards by: 

  • Complying with all relevant Australian agricultural, environmental, labour, and business regulations. 

  • Maintaining transparency in financial reporting, supply chain management, and business operations. 

  • Regularly assessing and mitigating risks related to climate change, animal welfare, and social responsibility. 

  • Engaging with stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and investors, to uphold ethical business practices. 

  • Continuously reviewing and improving our ESG commitments to adapt to evolving best practices and industry standards. 

Commitment to Continuous Improvement 

We acknowledge that sustainability is an ongoing journey. We commit to regularly reviewing our ESG policy, setting measurable goals, and striving for continuous improvement in all aspects of our operations. 

  • By integrating ESG principles into our farming practices, Locmaria Farms aims to ensure a sustainable, ethical, and resilient future for our business, our community, and the environment.