Overview of the Carbon Neutralby 2030 InitiativeMargaret JewellCN30 ManagerResearch, Development and Adoption

A vision for our Industry’s future

“By 2030, consumers buy Australian red meat because they know it’s good

for the environment”

Two key components:

1. Aspirational target – for the Australian red meat industry to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030

2. Coordinated RD&A effort

GHG emissions are measured and reported by the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory accounts:

GHG emissions Emissions captured and/or offset 0 tonnes CO2w_ =

Consumer and community support

Market access Access to capital Less blunt regulation More productive land, animals and

people

Increased demand for and/or value of

Australian red meat

Increased market access (such as EU markets)

Increased access to funding or lower cost of

capital

Reduced risk of state or federal government

regulatory intervention

Improved adaptation enabling ongoing

productivity

Rewards for climate-smart producers

• increased revenue • the trusted source of the highest quality protein.

This means:

Industry progess

Key work areas

Methane production in rumen =lost productivity Did you know:

• The average cow emits 50-90kg of methane per year, equivalent to 33-60 grazing days lost a year.

• The average sheep emits 6-7 kg of methane per year,equivalent to 30-31 grazing days lost a year. Kurihara et al. 1999

“Feed additive found to reduce methane emissions by 90% in feedlot trial.”Beef Central, 12/05/2021

“Cows fed small amounts of seaweed burp 86% less in methane trial.”ABC Science, 18/03/2021

Genetic selection for low methane is permanent and cumulative – can achieve reduction of 3.5 MT CO2e for cattle and 1.8 MT CO2e sheep by 2035.

Emissions avoidance priorities• 3-NOP early life programming trial

• further work on asparagopsis

• genetic selection

• legumes – leaucaena and desmanthus

• multi-species pastures

Carbon storage priorities• Next generation soil carbon measurement methods

– on track to reduce cost of soil carbon measurement to $8/ha(the government target is $3/ha)

– could reduce the number of soil samples normally taken by producers by three or four times.

• Mixed species pastures and legumes

• Grazing management

• Decision tools for planting trees on-farm.

Photo: Jenny O’Sullivan

Industry leadership building

Will be embedded and developed within strategic partnerships and research projects. For example:

• development of Carbon EDGE packages from CN30 projects

• accelerating sheep best practice RD&A project - 90 PDS sites, 270 small group learning pods with 2,200 producers

• peer-to-peer learning PGS principles inNB2 with producer groups.

Integrated Management Systems

• Pilot carbon accounting workshops to improve on farm carbon accounting tools and develop resources

• Working with federal government and other partners to support development of frameworks to underpin participation in carbon projects and industry reporting

• Staying on top of current research regarding different ways to account for greenhouse gases from agriculture

GHG emissions Carbon storageSource (tCO2-e) Source (tCO2-e)

Livestock -822 Trees 489Fertiliser and lime -11 Soil 612

Electricity and fuel -10

Total -843 Total 1101Balance 258 (tCO2-e)

Modelled soil carbon calculator

(Carbon Farming Initiative—estimating

sequestration of carbon in soil, using

Default Values Methodology 2015)

Beef greenhouse

calculator V5greenhouse.

unimelb.edu.au

Farm soil test data

(trend 1995 – 2019, n=252)a

Integrated management systemsExample carbon balance – southern beef producer

Some early movers

Example prototype product showcasing

carbon neutral credential (for illustration purposes only, not actual products

in the market)

Some insights• Consumers are the driving force behind

sustainability action, brands are the driving forcebehind carbon neutrality.

• Any approach to carbon neutrality can be used.Given purchase intent for cheaper alternatives is similarto those of more expensive options, there is an opportunity to start with an easier approach to carbon neutrality.

• Brands require certification for consumers to buy-in.

• MLA-supported market research has revealed that 1 in 4 consumers would be willing to pay 15% more for a carbon neutral red meat option (Source: Harvest Road Group, 2021)

A vision for our Industry’s future

“By 2030, consumers buy Australian red meat because they know it’s good

for the environment”

Thank you

Disclaimer

Care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However MLA cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained in the publication. You should make your own enquiries before making decisions concerning your interests. MLA accepts no liability for any losses incurred if you rely solely on this publication.

Information contained in this publication is obtained from a variety of third party sources. To the best of MLA’s knowledge the information accurately depicts existing and likely future market demand. However, MLA has not verified all third party information, and forecasts and projections are imprecise and subject to a high degree of uncertainty.

MLA makes no representations and to the extent permitted by law excludes all warranties in relation to the information contained in this publication. MLA is not liable to you or to any third party for any losses, costs or expenses, including any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special or exemplary damages or lost profit, resulting from any use or misuse of the information contained in this publication.

Full terms of use at www.mla.com.au

Photo: Jenny O’Sullivan

Steps to a carbon neutral position1. Understand your drivers and goals

2. Establish baseline

3. Evaluation emissions reduction options (genetics/selection/breeding, herd/flock management, improved feed/legumes, additives/supplements)

4. Evaluate emissions offset options (vegetation planting, avoided clearing, regrowth management, perennial pastures for soil carbon)

5. Measurement and reporting

6. Seek advice (farm advisors, carbon project developers, others who have walked the talk)

10 things producers can do today1. Arm yourself with the

right knowledge. Identify youremission sources, know what carbon storage options are available and document these in a carbon account.

2. Consider herd or flock management practices to improve livestock diet, breeding efficiency or structure to reduce methane emissions per kilogram of live weight produced. Download the beef cattle herd management factsheet or read the full research report.

10 things producers can do today3. Consider energy efficiency

or renewable energy technologiesto reduce fossil fuel use which resultsin carbon dioxide emissions. Find out more about how to weigh up the most energy-efficient options.

4. Consider the potential for savannafire management methods toavoid emissions and improve carbon storage.

5. Identify shade and shelter options on-farm. Integrate trees and shrubs to grazing systems for improved carbon storage and animal health and biodiversity benefits. Local Landcare, NRM or Land Services groups can help identify the right tree and vegetation species to suit different regions.

6. Monitor and record active dung beetle populations on-farm and keep an eye out for new species as they are released.

10 things producers can do today7. Plan for delivery and distribution

of new feeds and supplements that reduce methane emissions from livestock and improve animal growth rates. This will enable more red meatto be produced for the same orreduced methane emissions.

8. Establish deep-rooted, palatable pastures and legumes to improvesoil carbon levels and lift animal productivity.

9. Consider what mix of pastures, legumes and trees are suitable to maintain livestock productivity in future weather and climate scenarios.

10. Look at collaborative supply chain arrangements to mitigate financial, environmental and market risks as well as the impact on business inputs and output.

Tools and resources

CN30 Roadmap

Fact sheet for developing a carbon neutral brand

Fact sheet for becoming carbon neutral by 2030

CN30 webpage

GHG accounting calculators

Technical manual

Australian Good Meat

Red Meat Green Facts

Australian Beef Sustainability Framework

Australian Sheep Sustainability Framework

Industry Commonwealth

Target Carbon neutral by 2030

26-28% emissions reduction by 2030

Funding sources

• Research & Development Corporations

• Voluntary markets

• Emissions Reduction Fund

• Australian Renewable Energy Agency

• Clean Energy Finance Corporation

Industry needs to achieve CN30

“The production ofsheep meat and woolby current and future

generations in anethical and

environmentally,socially, financially and

responsible manner”

“The productionof beef in a mannerthat is socially,environmentallyand economicallyresponsible”

Red meat industry sustainability story

Red meat industry sustainability story• The amount of tree cover in

Australia has increased since 1991.

• It takes 68% less water to produce a kilo of beef than it did 30 years ago.

• Consumption of Australianred meat is 3-4 times a week,and will not contribute to a global temperature rise.

• The beef industry is working towards 100% use of pain relief by 2030.