Environment & Community
Our Environmental Story
Working with nature to reap the rewards.
We started back in 2017 with a dream to redefine the almond industry through sustainable practices. Today, Australian Farming Services is dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and giving back to the communities we’re a part of.
Sustainability
Dedicated to sustainability with smart technologies
We’re committed to decarbonisation, with two solar microgrid underway which will supply 85% of the power to our Canally and Cadell orchards.
The orchard irrigation systems are designed to maximise water efficiency. All orchards use computerised control systems and moisture probes to promote the maximum efficiency of water use.
Our Murray Downs Almond processing plant will source approximately 50% of its required power from solar.
Processing by-products are utilised in the livestock feed industry to ensure that as little as possible from the process is wasted, further promoting the sustainability approach.
Resources
Effective resource management for economic and environmental benefit
We carefully manage natural resources such as water and bees to ensure we’re conserving what is precious, to minimise our impact.
Almonds have a minimum 25 year life span, and we manage our impact understanding that we will be farming these orchards for the long term.
Effective resource management not only makes economic sense but also supports our commitment to environmental sustainability.
Our Impact
Committed to a low-impact business model.
AFS has installed solar power systems and utilises the latest technologies in water, fertiliser, and herbicide application, along with a processing plant close to our orchards.
These initiatives set AFS apart and reflect our philosophical commitment to the environment, rather than being driven by necessity.
We’re dedicated to reducing our impact and giving back to the communities we serve.
PROCESSING
A state-of-the-art almond processing facility
Our Murray Downs Almonds processing facility, opened earlier this year, is strategically located near our orchards. With a 35,000-tonne capacity, it reduces our freight footprint, lowering fuel use and road wear for economic and environmental benefits.
The facility features state-of-the-art LMC hulling and shelling equipment, BM&M screens, and a high-capacity Alvan Blanch dryer, along with automated bagging and sorting systems from TOMRA and Satake for top quality. A refrigerated warehouse with automated guided vehicles rounds out the site.
To minimise our footprint, the plant will initially use grid power, supplemented by a planned 4.5MW solar farm.