System Evaluation

Evaluation Overview

How your site fits the Systems Approach and Organic Standards, what it does well, and what improvements can or need to be made were evaluated. Successes and shortcomings of the system was also investigated to highlight where improvements could be made

Four areas of evaluation were looked at and reports compiled throughout the year on each of these areas:

• System Evaluation and Organic Standards and Compliance

• System Evaluation Against Set Criteria

• Soil and Nutrient Management Evaluation

• Crop Production Evaluation and Organic Compliance

These evaluations were carried out using  records of crop production activities, soil management methods and actions, site management and referencing initial site analysis, over the course of the growing year.  

Areas focused on included the following:

• strengths of the operation and system, and aspects where there is potential for improvement

• evidence and/or examples to support claims

• Organic certification and compliance across the system

The organic  production system follows Biogro standards. From  research around organic certification and compliance, the system was investigated on its alignment to Biogro standards. Questions were raised whether a different certification body may be more suitable.

Personal goals were identified at the start of the year. These too were regularly evaluated to determine if they were achieved, the degree of success and how things could be done differently in future. They form part of System Evaluation Against Set Criteria.

Timeframes

Evaluations were carried out four times throughout the year and reports can be found on the subpages below.

Each evaluation looked at the site and system, providing details, information and recommendations of what has happened,  what effect any actions have had and recommendations of what can be done to make the site and system work better. Each one  builds on the previous ones, leading to a final summative evaluation of the year.

Evidence  is provided for any observations, claims and recommendations made, in the form of photographs, records and observation notes.

Reflection on the year

A final reflection was carried out at the end of the year. Reflecting on the year is a good way to record  personal thoughts, ideas, and insights. It provides an opportunity to discuss what has been learned, if thoughts have changed and where this may lead for for those involved in the future.