Market-imposed environmental disclosures

This project developed insights for Australian red meat processors and exporters, to be better positioned to respond to the introduction of market-imposed environmental disclosures and adjustment mechanisms, with a focus on overseas markets.

The project described and illustrated some of these proposed interventions, measured their likely impact and timeframe for implementation, and presented adaptation strategies and initiatives that Australian processors can use to comply with future obligations.

Three regulatory frameworks were investigated as part of this project. These were the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), and EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). 

While the three regulatory frameworks do not currently have any immediate impacts on the red meat industry, the expected impacts include hurdles to market access, the burden of compulsory compliance, competitive price pressure, and the cost of practice change. The study concluded that industry has approximately 1–2 years before demonstrating environmental performance credentials to market authorities and commercial customers will become routine.