Sustainability projects take centre stage

Stakeholders from across the beef supply chain had the opportunity to look beyond the data, at the first Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) Sustainability Showcase.

The showcase, hosted in Brisbane in July, presented the latest research, development and adoption activities which align with the priorities of the ABSF.

Sustainability Credentials Project Manager Jacob Betros said the event, attended by around 120 people, was born from the growing interest in industry activities.

“We put this showcase together based on feedback from stakeholders that they wanted to know more than the numbers in the annual report – they wanted to learn about the research and adoption activities being undertaken,” Jacob said.

The Sustainability Showcase consisted of five key sessions and 17 presentations.

Four sessions were attributed to each ABSF theme (best animal care, economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and people and the community), and the projects that align to the priorities within the theme.

“We heard about a lot of innovative research in the supply chain, including how livestock industries are tackling antimicrobial resistance together, and some of the great work in assessing birds and biodiversity in grazing lands,” Jacob said.

Other presentations focused on the workforce, biosecurity and welfare, improving transport, silvopastoral systems, and waste valorisation and the circular economy.

Each project was industry-owned and invested, with presentations by government and university researchers, and representatives from the corporate organisations involved in the work.

The fifth session focused on outcomes from the ABSF’s latest materiality assessment, and strategic planning for the future.

“The last session helped frame how the ABSF fits into Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) and Australian Meat Processor Corporation’s (AMPC) strategic plans,” Jacob said.

Jacob said there was a lot to gain from showing stakeholders the projects that are happening behind the scenes.

“There was a really positive response to the showcase,” he said.

“It led to some really valuable discussions on how industry can further leverage these investments and projects.”

Missed the showcase? Rewatch the sessions now!