Framework development
Collaboration, trials and research have shaped the evolution of the GFM.
It is informed by over a decade of research, expert consultation and development, building scientific credibility and rigour. Over the past three years, over 75 farm assessments and 1,700 sustainability indicators have been analysed by GFM researchers, including a Delphi review on biodiversity indicators. Findings are under review, and results are expected to be published in 2025.
To date, the framework has been tested on over 500 farms across 23 countries to improve its usefulness, practicality and adaptability for all farming systems.
Structure
The framework is built around 12 interconnected categories that reflect the key environmental, social and economic dimensions of a sustainable farm system—none of which can be considered in isolation.
Each category is linked to a shared outcome, supported by subcategories that focus attention on what drives change.
Measurable indicators track progress, while contextual factors recognise that every farm operates under unique conditions, some beyond the farmer’s control.
Context
Contextual factors capture the external barriers and enablers that influence a farm’s ability to deliver sustainability outcomes—often beyond the farmer’s control.
These factors vary from farm to farm, shaped by geography, policy, markets and more.
The examples below highlight key areas that help explain the broader forces influencing on-farm decisions.
The wheel
Explore the categories and subcategories of the latest iteration of the framework, GFM2.0