THE ROAD TO CARBON NEUTRAL
REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS
Since 1990, New Zealand sheep and beef farming has reduced its carbon emissions by 30% and is on track to be carbon neutral by 2050. Farming livestock on open pasture and a grass-fed diet all day, every day makes this goal possible.
COMPARED TO OTHER COUNTRIES
While livestock production does impact carbon emissions, New Zealand has one of the lowest impacts worldwide, about 1/2 of global averages – before carbon offsets. In fact, New Zealand has the smallest environmental footprint of any red meat production system in the world.
New Zealand is also very efficient compared to other countries. The carbon footprint of sheep and beef production on-farm Life Cycle Analysis is estimated to be around half the average figure globally. (Source: B+LNZ estimates based on Stewart Ledgard: AgResearch, 2021)
A SEQUESTERED APPROACH
A recent research report put New Zealand sheep and beef farms as collectively being at or near carbon neutral, because of carbon being sequestered though native and woody vegetation on our farms, which is maintained and not released, unlike intensive cropping systems.
Our beef and lamb is from family farms, not feedlots or factories, and we produce in harmony with nature, using methods passed down from generation to generation and improved upon every day.
LOOKING AHEAD TO CARBON NEUTRALITY
New Zealand has committed in law through a Zero Carbon Act to a low carbon future requiring emissions of N20 and CO2 to be net-zero by 2050.
As part of a five-year program, farmers will be equipped with the information, tools and support they need to reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change by 2025. This includes mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change in their farm business and environment plans, calculating their net greenhouse gas emissions and taking actions on climate change through the development of an appropriate pricing mechanism for emissions.
Brands
Look for these brands to find quality New Zealand beef or lamb.
