Carbon Neutral 2030

Overview 

The Australian red meat industry has set a target to be carbon neutral by 2030 (CN30). This means that by 2030, Australian beef, lamb and goat production, including lot feeding and meat processing, aim to make no net release of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere. 

With a commitment from all of industry, the right policy settings and ongoing research investment, the Australian red meat industry can be at the forefront of carbon neutrality. 

MLA’s investment into CN30 research, development (R&D) and adoption aims to enable and empower the red meat industry to achieve the CN30 target, with a focus on reducing emissions while maintaining productivity gains. 

Core activities

In addition to policy settings and industry adoption through collaboration with industry, government and research partners, MLA invests in R&D to help make progress towards the CN30 target by:

• developing and driving adoption of technologies that both reduce ruminant enteric methane emissions and increase livestock productivity
• developing viable grazing supplement delivery technologies that maintain livestock productivity and lower methane emissions
• improving the integration of trees and shrubs for improved carbon storage, animal health and biodiversity
• creating feedbase solutions that underpin CN30 outcomes by reducing GHG and increasing soil carbon
• supporting practice change through investing in leadership building activities such as training of producers, professionals, and extension providers
• driving adoption of innovation that improves management of water, energy, waste and GHG emissions
• improving animal genetics and husbandry practices to reduce methane emissions
• advancing methods for improving and measuring soil carbon sequestration
• developing technology to avoid methane emissions from waste management at processing facilities
• developing renewable energy technology to reduce CO2 emissions from the use of fossil fuels.

Benefits to industry 

• Achieving carbon neutrality seeks to strengthen the Australian red meat industry’s social licence to operate and increase community support for the industry’s environmental stewardship.
• Investments into lowering GHG emissions and improving soil carbon creates sustainable grazing land that supports the long-term productivity and profitability of the industry.
• Providing consumers with the opportunity to purchase zero emission, environmentally friendly red meat products increases market access and overall consumer satisfaction by creating an environment