Carbon Neutral announcement supported by Australian Beef Sustainability Framework

Carbon Neutral announcement supported by Australian Beef Sustainability Framework

November 23 2017

The Chair of the Sustainability Steering Group for the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework, Bryce Camm, has welcomed news from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) yesterday that the industry could be carbon-neutral by 2030.

“The prospect that we could be carbon-neutral by 2030 is an incredibility exciting one in terms of demonstrating our economic and environmental credentials to Australia and the world,” said Mr Camm, a fourth-generation Queensland grain and grass-fed cattle producer.

“Reducing emissions is one of the key priorities of the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework, and work is already in progress by a large number of producers and most processors.

“The framework is about ensuring we are meeting customer, investor and other stakeholder expectations and these groups have clearly communicated to industry that carbon is one of their top priorities.”

In September, following widespread consultation, the Sustainability Steering Group (SSG) selected managing climate change risk as one of six high-priority areas in sustainable beef production.

In the Framework managing climate change risk covers GHGs, fertiliser application and fossil fuel use (both on-farm and in processing) and carbon capture and sequestration.

In addition to managing climate risk, the other high-priority areas in the Framework are:

  • Animal husbandry techniques
  • Profitability across the value chain
  • Balance of tree and grass cover
  • Antimicrobial stewardship
  • Health and safety of people in the industry

Independent Chair of RMAC, Mr Don Mackay said; “The red meat industry has reduced emissions within the national greenhouse inventory from 20% to 13% since 2005.

“We are proud to have significantly contributed to the Australian Federal Government 2030 targets under the Paris agreement. But, as ever, more needs to be done when it comes to policy settings that drive real value for red meat businesses.”

The ABSF is an initiative of RMAC aimed at demonstrating to the community our commitment to a thriving Australian beef industry that strives to continuously improve the wellbeing of people, animals and the environment.