myBMP is a voluntary farm and environmental management system which provides self- assessment mechanisms, practical tools and auditing processes to ensure that Australian cotton is produced according to best management practice (myBMP, n.d.). Growers can also choose to be professionally audited and certified as myBMP accredited cotton growers. Adoption of myBMP supports the risk management and social licence requirements of the cotton industry. This is particularly so as cotton production involves the use of significant amounts of water and chemicals. Thus, the production process needs to be efficiently managed to moderate detrimental environmental impacts which if not curbed may lead to loss of grower incomes and/or loss of industry social licence.

In using myBMP information and tools, cotton growers can improve on-farm performance through:

• Better managing business and production risk, through use of up-to-date effective solutions to deal with pests, weeds, water use efficiency, and legal requirements, among others.

• Maximising potential market advantages, such as access to premium cotton prices afforded by the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI).

• Demonstrating responsible and sustainable natural resource management to the community, through myBMP certification, BCI and/or Cotton LEADS TM certification.

The myBMP information is categorised into 10 key modules for growers, these are:

• Biosecurity - for avoidance, management and control of pests and diseases

• Energy and Input Efficiency - for more efficient energy inputs such as electricity, fuel

and fertilisers

• Fibre Quality - for growing the best quality cotton possible

• Human Resources and Workplace Health and Safety - helps growers manage

employees and contractors whilst providing a safe and compliant workplace

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - for management of pests, weeds and diseases

• Sustainable Natural Landscape - for managing the vegetative and riparian assets on

the farm

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• Pesticide Management - for all aspects of pesticide management, storage and use on farm

• Petrochemical Storage and Handling - for managing fuels and lubricants on farm

• Soil Health - for maintaining and/or improving soil quality and fertility

• Water Management - covering water quality, efficiency of storage and distribution for

both dryland and irrigated farming practices.