Grower Self Assessment FAQs
Self Assessment Frequently asked questions
Background
Q: Why has this additional step been introduced?
A: Growers have always had the option to self assess their operations against ISCC requirements. Formalising this step enables growers to make a more informed decision about whether they trade their grain as ISCC Certified.
Q: What is the benefit? Doesn’t this just create more work for farmers?
A: It is important that growers have available all the information they need to make an informed decision about trading grain as ISCC Certified. The Self Assessment form enables growers to review all the ISCC requirements against their operations in an easy to-use and retrievable format.
The Form
Q: How long does it take to complete this form?
A: The form should take no more than 20-30 minutes to complete.
Q: Can you save the Grower Self Assessment form and come back to it later?
A: Yes, the Grower Self Assessment form can be saved at any stage and completed later.
Q: Do I have to provide any evidence to support my answers?
A: No evidence is required at this stage, however you will need to have the required evidence prior to contracting your grain. If selected for an audit, you will have to provide this evidence to the auditor.
Q: Why was the Grower Self Assessment form not made available through the NGR?
A: Both Parties are working to determine how the process can be more streamlined and integrated.
Q: Can you link through to the NGR once you have completed your Self Assessment form and received your Completion Code?
A: Yes, on completion of the Grower Self Assessment form, you will be provided with your Completion Code and a link through to the NGR website.
Q: If a grower has more than one NGR (e.g. share farm) will they need to complete more than one Self Assessment form?
A: Yes, an SGA Self Assessment form must be completed for each NGR card.
Q: I have additional NGRs that are not linked to my SGA account, can they be added?
A: Yes, email admin@sustainablegrain.com.au with details of the additional cards to add.
Q: Can my contact details portal be updated?
A: Yes, email admin@sustainablegrain.com.au with the details.
Q: Is the Grower Self Assessment form compatible with mobile and tablet devices?
A: Yes, the Grower Self Assessment form is compatible with mobile and tablet devices, both Apple and Android.
Q: Will I have to complete a Grower Self Assessment form each year?
A: Yes, a new form will be required each year, but where information can be rolled over from one year to the next, the form will be pre-populated with this information, saving you time.
Q: Why include Self Assessment questions that aren’t related to sustainable crop production? For example, questions around employees, work health and safety, and farm business plans?
A: The ISCC defines sustainable farming as more than just crop production. The
organisation takes a holistic view of sustainability that extends to the whole farm
business. This means growers wanting to market their grain as ISCC sustainable need to be able to demonstrate best practice – or moving towards best practice – across their whole farm operation.
Q: Some growers have asked us why they need to provide so many details?
A: The Self Assessment replicates the questions you will be required to answer if you are selected for an audit. It helps you, the grower, identify if there are any gaps between your existing situation or practices, and the ISCC requirements for sustainability certification. If, in the process of completing the Self Assessment, you identify a gap, you then have time to address that aspect of your operation to ensure you are meeting the requirements for certification.
Q: Why is sustainable grain mixed in with non-sustainable grain at the silos?
A: ISCC certified grain is traded and accounted for on a mass balance basis. This means that the total tonnage of sustainable grain sold to buyers cannot exceed the total amount of sustainable grain that is delivered by growers.
The mass balance approach permitted under ISCC allows for the practicalities of the Australian grain bulk handling system while also ensuring that the volume of grain traded as ISCC certified matches (but does not exceed) the volume of ISCC certified grain produced in Australia.
Mass balance is a pragmatic approach that balances the need for sustainable practices with the realities of large-scale commodity trading.
Another example is the renewable energy market, renewable electricity is mixed with non-renewable energy into the grid and traded on a mass balance basis.
Completion Codes
Q: Is there a time limit on the Codes?
A: Yes, the Code has a life of 12 months.
Q: Can the Code be shared?
A: No, the Code can only be used against the corresponding NGR.
Q: Can the Code be reused?
A: The Code is valid for 12 months. A new Code will be required next season.
Western Australia
Q: Is CBH also mandating the Self Assessment for growers?
A: Yes, CBH have introduced the same requirements for their growers.
Q: I have already completed an ISCC Self Assessment via CBH, why do I need complete one for SGA?
A: SGA and CBH do collaborate on ISCC activities, however, CBH is not a participant of Sustainable Grain Australia, and as such we do not have access to their records. If you would like to sell sustainable grain to any of the SGA Participating Companies, you are required to complete a SGA Self Assessment and Self Declaration.
Cash Sales
Q: What if a grower elects to deliver ISCC grain as a cash sale at the receival point?
A: Where a trader will accept cash sales for ISCC grain, the grower will still be required to have completed a Grower Self Assessment form, as well as the Grower Self Declaration, in order for the grain to be accepted.
Help
Q: Where can I go for help?
A: SGA have established a dedicated phone number for any grower queries related to the
completion of the Grower Self Assessment form.
The NGR Help Desk can also assist with questions related to the Grower Self Declaration.
SGA Helpline: 0497 567 469
Email: admin@sustainablegrain.com.au