- What is a sustainable environment? There is no straightforward definition of environmental sustainability.
Many definitions include the notion of 'living within the limits of what the environment can provide'.
In relation to the production of red meat in Australia this means using our natural resources, including soil, nutrients, water and biodiversity, sustainably.
- A sustainable environment and the red meat industry Australia proudly produces some of the world's cleanest and greenest red meat and other agricultural products.
For this to continue a sustainable environment must be maintained.
Sustainability issues are increasingly cited by consumers as a consideration when purchasing agricultural produce.
And for this nation to continue to feed its own population and that of increasingly hungry overseas markets we must ensure environmental sustainability in Australia.
- Balancing environment sustainability and financial viability Intrinsically linked to environmental management and sustainability is the need for economic sustainability and viable regional communities.
Without financial security the focus on sustainability initiatives tends to wane.
Balancing financial viability and environmental sustainability in Australia is a challenge and one that the industry, researchers and farmers are working together to address.
And it must be remembered that farmers in Australia must manage the twin challenges of sustainable environmental practices while trying to increase productivity in the context of a highly variable climate.
- Acknowledging the past and looking forward Australia's red meat industry acknowledges that past practices have had a detrimental impact on natural resources.
It is widely known that early Australian farmers employed European techniques that were ill suited to this landscape.
Due to this, and some government policies, land was degraded in some areas.
Today, there has been an environmental wakening and the majority of Australian farmers understand that if they want a sustainable business they need sustainable environmental practices.
Many farmers see themselves as stewards of the land rather than land owners.
There is now much scientific and other research undertaken to help farmers ensure they use the land sustainably.
This includes research into managing water and soil resources, cutting carbon emissions and ensuring appropriate grazing strategies.
- Beyond the farm gate Life cycle analysis is now widely accepted as a valid way of looking at how sustainable a product is.
This involves studying the impacts of its production, distribution and ultimate consumption.
The grain fed and processing sectors have major roles to play in ensuring the red meat industry is sustainable outside of the farm gate in Australia.
It should be noted that both industries have made significant investments in cutting their environmental footprints, particularly relating to emission reductions and how they use water.
Meat transport companies and retailers are engaged in programs to limit their environmental impacts.
Conclusion Environmental management and sustainability is vital if Australian farmers are going to continue to produce some of the world's best produce and meet the ever increasing demand for quality food.
Balanced with that is the need for economic sustainability in our farming operations.
If Australia is able to achieve this balance the red meat industry, including producers, processors, transporters and retailers, have a bright future.