MLA explains commitment to sustainability

What does Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) do to support sustainability?

The industry’s Target 100 initiative demonstrates the long term commitment of Australia’s cattle and sheep farmers to advance sustainable practices – from an environmental, animal welfare, social and economic perspective - and ensure a sustainable food supply for generations to come. Target 100 outlines 100 research, development and extension activities covering soil, water, energy, pests and weeds, biodiversity, emissions and animal welfare.

How much of a priority is sustainability for the livestock industry in Australia?

Sustainability is a key priority and the co-investment by the industry and the Australian Government in environmental sustainability has provided the red meat and livestock industry with the evidence, knowledge and capability to respond to key issues, mitigate future impacts on natural resource conditions, and inform policy setting and research priorities.

Do you think businesses you deal with in the Middle East are showing more awareness of sustainability?

Yes and we're seeing this more and more. Globally environmental management is now recognized as a necessity in any sustainable business model.

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How important is to educate consumers about this issue?

It's very important that consumers understand not just sustainability but traceability too. More and more consumers want to know where their food comes from and we'd like to see more detailed information on menu's about the farm the product was raised on and what the brand attributes are and how these attributes affect the product performance ie grass fed verse grain fed, free range etc

What do you think hotels and restaurants can do to reduce food wastage?

Education is a must. Training staff to respect food material and to understand that food waste equates to losing money and if after training they're still being wasteful they could be made personally responsible for the cost I'm sure this would cut waste dramatically – it is really a business culture area.