Emissions Trading, Red Hot Issue for Red Meat

AUSTRALIA - While the debate on the Australian Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) continues, the issue will undoubtedly have far reaching implications for Australia’s red meat industry.

20 August 2009

2 minute read

Oceania

MLA Managing Director David Palmer said that the CPRS has dominated the recent environment debate, and it is important that red meat producers understand the potential effects of the scheme, and environmental regulation generally, on their business.

“All producers are concerned about the impact the CPRS may have on their farm businesses and MLA has a role to play in providing research and information to producers and industry bodies to ensure they are well briefed on the issue and can take action accordingly,” Mr Palmer said.

Queensland producers will have the opportunity to hear more about the issue during a specially-convened session featuring several keynote speakers at the upcoming Roma Meat Profit day on Friday 2 October.

Mick Keogh, Executive Director of the Australian Farm Institute, will provide insight into the Government’s proposed CPRS and the potential costs that will flow on to livestock producers.

Woodland ecologist Dr Bill Burrows will discuss the state of play with vegetation management in Queensland and the potential of scientific solutions for the future.

During the session Mr Palmer will discuss the importance of communicating the red meat industry’s environmental credentials to consumers and how the industry is countering the misconceptions surrounding the environmental impact of red meat consumption.

“Misinformation still abounds in the community about the perceived impact of the industry on the environment,” Mr Palmer said, ”MLA is seeking to counteract that through the provision of facts based on sound science.”

“An example is the latest University of NSW research which shows that it only takes between 27 and 540 litres of water to produce a kilogram of beef, contrary to the misleading figures put forward by some groups and individuals determined to paint the industry in a bad light”.

Organised by MLA in conjunction with a committee of local producers, the Roma Meat Profit Day is designed to help producers build their profits and prepare for future challenges.

The event will begin with the ‘Meat under the stars’ welcome function on Thursday 1 October from 4pm to 6:30pm and the Meat Profit Day itself will be held on Friday 2 October at Bassett Park, Roma, to be followed by a casual on-site dinner.

The Meat Profit Day costs $20 for MLA members and $30 for non-members, excluding dinner which is $20 per person. Bookings are essential. For more information or to register call MLA on 1800 675 717 or visit www.mla.com.au/meatprofitday.