CATTLE Council has welcomed the 2022 Australian Beef Sustainability Framework Update which shows significant, ongoing improvements in the beef industry’s sustainability credentials.

CCA’s environment and sustainability spokesperson Jenny O’Sullivan said the report (click here to view yesterday’s summary) showed steady improvement towards the red meat industry’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2030.

“We’ve seen a further drop in emissions, which are now 58.21pc below 2005 levels,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“We’ve also seen improvement in carbon offsets, through improved tree and grass cover and soils. With emerging technologies and continued uptake of biodiversity and carbon programs, we remain on track to achieve our CN30 target.”

“Cattle Council congratulates the thousands of grassfed beef cattle producers for their commitment to this important work,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“Our customers both at home and overseas should be assured that Australian beef is produced responsibly. The beef industry is demonstrating that it can efficiently produce high-quality food and good environmental outcomes at the same time.

“Not only are we on track to net zero, but our industry has the capacity to be part of the solution to Australia’s greater climate challenge.

“I am proud of Australia’s world-leading beef industry making significant advances in sustainability,” she said.

Highlights from the 2022 ABSF Update

• Producers using pain relief for animal husbandry procedures have increased to 35pc.
• The Australian beef industry has continued to reduce net emissions, recording a reduction of 58.21pc since 2005.
• Native vegetation regrowth has seen the area of forest on Australian grazing properties increase from 12.94pc in 2004 to 15.32pc in 2020.
• Australian cattle producers continue to demonstrate a high degree of good agricultural practice, with the National Residue Survey recording a 99.6pc compliance.
• 7.6 million hectares of cattle country have been set aside for conservation.
• 79.6pc of Natural Resource Management regions achieved healthy groundcover thresholds, further protecting soils and ecosystem services.

Source: CCA