Sheep Sustainability Framework
The Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF) is an industry-led initiative developed by Sheep Producers Australia and WoolProducers Australia, with support from Meat & Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation. Since its launch in 2021, the SSF has become a critical tool for measuring and reporting the sustainability performance of Australia's world-class sheepmeat and wool sectors across four key themes:
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1. Caring for our sheep – The health and wellbeing of our animals is fundamental to sustainable production and of critical importance to our stakeholders. It is also a priority of industry, with significant funds invested in research and adoption each year, to support best practice and high standards of welfare and ways to continually improve.
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2. Enhancing the environment and climate – As an industry, we take our role as environmental stewards seriously and seek to minimise impact on the ecosystem by working with, not against, natural resources. We also work to meet the challenge of a changing climate, including large investments in mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
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3. Looking after our people, our customers and the community – A safe and healthy workforce, with the right skills to take the industry into the future, underpins our success. We make an important contribution to regional communities through our presence and business operations, and to the wider public by providing natural fibre and nutritious food.
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4. Ensuring a financially resilient industry – The sheep industry makes a significant contribution to the Australian economy and supports regional employment. This contribution depends on the success of individual businesses which can withstand challenges that arise.
The Sheep Sustainability Framework helps the industry present credible, data-driven evidence of responsible production to customers, consumers, markets, and stakeholders—supporting trust, market access, and continual improvement.
While the Framework does not set policies or certify individual businesses, it does evaluate industry performance and supports planning and investment at a national level.