Core samples being taken in a paddock to measure the amount of carbon in the soil. Photo – Carbon Link.

MEAT & Livestock Australia is launching a new program called Carbon EDGE for Australian red meat producers to improve understanding of carbon technology and practices.

The new program well be an addition to the industry’s well-known EDGE network training program including Business EDGE, Breeding EDGE, Nutrition EDGE and Grazing Land Management EDGE.

The red meat industry’s target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 (CN30) will only be realised with the adoption of emissions avoidance and carbon storage practices and technologies.

Although there is wide interest in these practices and technologies, producers have indicated that they are looking for more information to make sense of the options available to them and how these could be applied within their businesses.

According to MLA’s program manager for adoption Sally Leigo, the development of a Carbon EDGE training package will address the knowledge and skill gap.

“This will be done by providing producers across Australia with the knowledge and skills required to generate and interpret a carbon account and formulate a customised plan to address emissions and production benefits at an enterprise level,” she said.

Carbon EDGE will run over two days and will provide independent, research and fact-based information.

MLA said Carbon EDGE has been developed by industry, for industry. The product has been developed by a Working Group of producers, advisors, and technical experts from across Australia.

MLA’s Carbon Neutral 2030 (CN30) manager, Margaret Jewell, said that the workshops were developed following in-depth discussions and feedback from producers.

“Carbon EDGE will integrate the outcomes from our major sustainability investments, keeping participants up to date with emerging research and technologies.

“These workshops will respond to the enquiries that we at MLA are getting from the industry about what this all means at an individual business level,” Dr Jewell said.

“Adoption at this level is imperative if we are going to move forward as a sustainable industry.”

MLA said the program is for grass-fed beef, sheep and goat producers who are looking to build on their understanding of carbon.

The program will help participants develop their understanding of carbon and move into a planning and action phase, identifying practices and technologies that could be incorporated into their business to benefit their bottom line and the environment.

It is also suitable for advisors and other service providers looking to enhance their understanding of the current operating environment.

“Five pilot workshops for Carbon EDGE will be delivered throughout Australia to seek feedback and further input from producers,” Ms Leigo said.

“Pilot workshops are planned to take place from August 2023, with full roll out of the program in 2024.”

The pilot workshops will be held in Central Victoria, Western New South Wales, Central Queensland, Southern Western Australia and the fifth location will be confirmed in August 2023.

Register an Expression of Interest to participate in the pilot workshops. Availability for pilot workshops will be limited.

• Find out more at CarbonEDGE

Source: MLA