Beef industry's sustainability achievements and next benchmark

The Australian beef industry has released its 2025 Annual Update under the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF), which showcases its environmental achievements and provides a roadmap for future sustainability leadership.

Since 2005, the industry has reduced net CO₂e emissions by 70.1%, largely driven by carbon sequestration in the landscape on grazing land.

Beef production reached an all-time high of 2.75 million tonnes, achieved with improved efficiency and reduced waste.

Solid waste to landfill in the processing sector fell by 71.6% between 2022 and 2024, and 98% of cattle were processed through independently accredited animal welfare facilities.

On the trade front, the industry alleviated $109 million in non-tariff barriers, while exports to the United States surged by more than 30%.

Patrick Hutchinson, Chair of the ABSF Steering Group, said the update reflects the industry’s commitment to transparency, resilience and continuous improvement.

“This year’s update is more than a report card. It is a declaration of intent. We are not just meeting expectations; we are setting them. From animal welfare to climate resilience, the Australian beef industry is proving that sustainability is not a cost. It is a competitive advantage,” Hutchinson said.

“We have shown the world that beef production can coexist with biodiversity, that emissions can be reduced without compromising profitability, and that our self-funded sector can lead global conversations on fair and credible sustainability metrics.”

The report acknowledges challenges ahead. New mandatory climate-related financial disclosure rules will require large supply chains to report Scope 3 emissions, necessitating further focus on carbon accounting by the industry.

Workforce shortages across the supply chain continue to impact productivity and innovation, while inconsistent global sustainability standards highlight the need for Australia’s leadership in defining credible metrics.

Looking forward, the ABSF has identified three priorities to guide future investment and reporting: feed sourcing, improved traceability across the value chain, and partnerships that foster innovation through cross-sector collaboration.

“The future of beef sustainability lies in collaboration and credibility,” Hutchinson said.

“Retailers and investors want assurance, not anecdotes. That is why we are investing in traceability, science-based emissions reduction, and data-driven reporting. We are building a beef industry that is not only sustainable but investable.”

The ABSF continues to align with global standards including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) Global Goals, ensuring Australian beef remains a trusted, high-value protein in international markets.

To download the full ABSF Annual Report 2025, visit www.sustainableaustralianbeef.com.au. 

Image credit: iStock.com/mladenbalinovac