Online tool rewards environmental stewardship

Caption: Johan Boshoff, Rhiannon Smith (left to right) and a conference participant at the Environer stall at the NRM Regions Australia conference in Cairns, 9 September 2025

Australian red meat producers now have access to a free online knowledge hub, developed by the University of New England (UNE), to support decision-making around participating in sustainability projects and managing natural capital, biodiversity and carbon.

Funded by AgriFutures Australia, the Environer tool facilitates strong environmental stewardship and makes it easier for producers to connect with commodity markets and financial products that match their business goals.

Positive outcomes for carbon, emissions reduction and sustainability are expected to flow for both the environment and primary producers, who are increasingly required to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices. Environer can also help provide a crucial link between existing sustainability frameworks – such as the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework – and on-farm actions and opportunities.

New opportunities

Dr Rhiannon Smith, Team Leader at Environer and Associate Professor in Environmental Management at UNE, is keen to contribute to the further development of markets for private investment opportunities in farm biodiversity and sustainability.

“The tool allows producers to access information about opportunities such as grants, pilot programs, research and sustainability initiatives in the one location,” Rhiannon said.

Getting involved in sustainability projects can open new income streams, premium market access and opportunities to develop higher-value products.

Easier access means better environmental outcomes

Despite the best intentions, many producers struggle to find the time, advice or resources needed to fully understand and participate in sustainability opportunities.

The tool removes much of the effort required to make informed decisions about whether to progress with a particular initiative or project.

“Our team at UNE consulted far and wide, with R&D organisations, producers, banks and with AgriFutures Australia to develop a process for review of the available opportunities and to identify commodity markets and financial products focused on environmental stewardship and sustainability,” Rhiannon said

Q&A with Associate Professor Rhiannon Smith

What drove the need for the creation of Environer?

“Sustainability, natural capital, biodiversity, carbon and environmental stewardship opportunities are many and diverse. The complexity in this space can be overwhelming, and there are folks out there taking advantage of that complexity. This is creating a feeling of distrust among landholders and is a barrier to adoption. As such, we set about to increase awareness and education of the opportunities and resources available, through an independent information source that landholders and consultants can navigate to increase literacy and confidence when entering into this space.”

How has it been received by industry so far?

“Since the launch of Environer in September 2025, we have had more than 4,000 unique individuals access and navigate through the site. Feedback has been positive, with users particularly keen on the easy-to-use filters and information summaries. Feedback relating to the need for such a resource and the breadth of information contained has also been positive.”

What significant changes do you see it making for sustainability in the red meat industry?

“There are myriad opportunities available to producers to diversify their income and communicate their sustainability credentials, to access premium markets or demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship. An assessment of these opportunities through an independent, unbiased information source such as Environer, enables producers to explore opportunities that fit with their production and environmental stewardship goals. As this space continues to expand and consumer expectations regarding sustainability and environmental stewardship grow, participation in opportunities such as those outlined in Environer can assist producers to demonstrate their desire to be good environmental stewards.”

How the Environer tool works

The tool helps users identify opportunities relevant to their industry, location and objectives – whether they are seeking financial benefits or improved market access. Results are presented in an easy-to-navigate format, including a short summary of each opportunity and its potential benefits, risks and costs. A comprehensive list of further resources is also provided so users can further research each opportunity.

The Resources library is another valuable feature, offering high-quality information that can also be refined based on business needs and environmental stewardship goals.

These goals include:

1. Carbon and emission reduction

2. Sustainability

3. Natural capital, biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Short summaries in the results table help users quickly scan and prioritise resources, saving valuable time and allowing them to focus on the opportunities most relevant to their business.

Factors considered when assessing each opportunity selected for the knowledge hub included: the benefits and costs of improving natural capital, carbon and biodiversity the provision of ecosystem services social license implications economic impacts.