Towards carbon neutral red meat: natural capital accounting

The challenge

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in livestock production

Australia's red meat and livestock industry has set an ambitious target to be carbon neutral by 2030.  

In 2021, the industry funded research to identify different ways of meeting this target.

One of many pathways is to consider the benefits of both carbon abatement and biodiversity from using a natural capital accounting approach.

Our response

Preparing natural capital accounts with a focus on biodiversity

In this five-year project, we are working with ten case study farm managers operating in a range of livestock production systems across Australia.

Natural capital accounts, with a focus on biodiversity, will be prepared for each farm.

These will consider usual practice at the farm plus alternative management options that may improve biodiversity and/or soil carbon.

The effect of implementing the alternative practices on farm-level emissions, production and profitability will be evaluated, including the potential to access emerging carbon and biodiversity markets.

The results

Demonstrating environmental stewardship

This research aims to help the industry demonstrating environmental stewardship and maintain community support.

Another outcome will be information about income diversification opportunities in ecosystem services markets.