Industry groups call out environmental groups for continued attacks

CATTLE Australia and the National Farmers’ Federation have come out against a growing list of environmental groups that have campaigned against the beef industry.

The latest has been the Australian Conservation Foundation, which today published a report labeling the food system as nature’s failure. It followed a report last week, which is covered in this beef hub article today.

Environmental groups have attacked some of the beef industry’s largest supply chains in recent months in an effort to get them to override state vegetation management laws and commit to eliminating “deforestation” from their supply chains. their supply.

ACF, the Wilderness Society, WWF and Greenpeace have also run fundraising campaigns following their attacks on the industry.

President of the National Farmers Federation David Jochinke said the latest ACF report is a misinformed blow to farmers and food companies.

“Spreading this kind of ideology spreads harmful misinformation and completely ignores the facts,” said Mr. Jochinke.

“Inflammatory language that suggests that when people are just trying to feed their families, they are contributing to the extinction of wildlife is an extremely weak form. It’s a transparent attempt to line their fundraising coffers by beating the household brands they buy from Austrian farmers.

“As custodians of more than half of Australia’s land, farmers play a central role in caring for and improving our natural environment – ​​it’s in their best interests to do so, and they do it on behalf of all Australians.

“Australia’s regulatory framework is one of the strictest in the world and we are seeing clearing rates continue to fall every year.

“Evidence shows that clearing in Queensland has fallen 50 per cent year-on-year and 80 per cent of what is being cleared is the iterative management of timber growth required to maintain a healthy balance of biodiversity.”

CA says groups are cherry-picking science

Chief Executive Officer of the CA Dr. Chris Parker said the current campaign by eNGOs is further evidence that these groups have no interest in engaging with the sector or expanding their understanding of the science that accurately reflects the important role of Australian beef production.

“Creating outrage is central to the business model of these groups; that’s how they get money from donors. We understand they must have an enemy to create this outrage, however the cattle industry is not that enemy,” Dr Parker said.

“We have tried to engage with these groups, however they have made it clear to us, and the supply chain, it is their way or the highway.

“Unlike eNGOs, which are intolerant of alternative views and seemingly cherry-picking science or creating their own, the Australian beef industry is committed to continuously demonstrating and improving its performance through evidence-based metrics, to ensure that we remain the world leader in this space. .”

Cattle Australia CEO Dr Chris Parker

Dr Parker said the Australian beef industry plays an important role in food and nutritional security, contributes to the sustainability of our communities and nation and as custodians of more than 50 per cent of the country’s land mass, is proud to play a role in ensuring the sustainability and prosperity of our environment for generations to come.

“It’s disappointing to see, once again, eNGOs more interested in selling idealism and misinformation than engaging in sensitive and respectful discussions that will actually lead to greater outcomes for landscapes, animals, biodiversity, food security and communities across Australia and around the globe. “, he said.

“Instead of wasting time on completely unworkable ideologies claimed by extreme groups, we would much prefer to engage in productive dialogue about the range of policies that CA and the wider industry is working to implement.”

Dr Parker said well-managed and thriving natural resources and livestock production are not adversaries, but go hand in hand.

“There is a wealth of data that shows this intrinsic link between healthy environments and agribusiness prosperity, and these ‘scorecards’ from eNGOs that declare Australian agriculture is failing do not take into account the specific nuances of our industry ,” he said.

“Deliberate ignorance by environmental groups serves their purposes well, but does little for the environment, despite positioning themselves as its ‘protectors’.”

Dr Parker said you only have to look at Australia’s vegetation management regulations, which are some of the strictest in the world, to find evidence of the industry’s commitment to the environment.

“The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ranks Australia second in the world for reforestation with an average net gain in forest area between 2010-2020 of 446,000 hectares per year,” Dr Parker said.

“Research from the University of Queensland (UQ) has shown that 95% of Queensland’s koala population is found on beef cattle properties. This work clearly highlights that well-managed landscapes contribute to sustainable conservation and, in this specific case, agriculture productively coexists with and supports healthy koala populations.

“Land management activities are also critical for managing natural disasters, as well as weeds, pests and diseases, to ensure the ecological health of our landscape and positive biodiversity outcomes.”

Most recently, independent data from the Queensland Government’s State Tree and Land Cover Study (SLATS) showed that in 2021-2022 there was a 7 per cent decline in overall woody vegetation clearing activity across the state compared to with last year.

They also reported a 64 percent reduction in regulated vegetation clearing over a four-year period.

Dr Parker said this report shows it is possible to achieve the right balance between conservation and agricultural production and supports land management practices in the beef industry.

“Australian beef producers prioritize their responsibility to look after natural resources and we stand absolutely behind our sustainability credentials and commitment to continuous improvement, as evidenced by the gains we consistently make on a range of environmental measures ,” said Dr. Parker.

“We are committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcomes for the environment, animals and people.

“If eNGOs really want to fight for the climate and our communities together, it’s time for them to make the same commitment.”

Source: NFF and Cattle Australia