Red Meat Green Facts

Frequently asked questions

• Is red meat a good source of protein?

  Red meat is naturally nutritious and a source of essential nutrients important for energy and immunity, along with healthy brain and muscle development and function.

  In terms of protein, red meat is naturally an excellent source of high-quality protein.

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• How much does the red meat industry contribute to Australian greenhouse gas emissions?

  As at 2021, net GHG emissions from the Australian red meat and livestock industry had fallen by 78.56% since 2005.¹ 

  Emissions are attributed to the red meat industry based on animal numbers, feed intake, livestock processed and resource use. It is part of the industry’s work in benchmarking its GHG footprint, which has been occurring since 2015.

  ¹  B.CCH.2124 - 2021 Greenhouse gas footprint of the red meat industry  and Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water 2024, Volume 1: National Inventory Report 2022

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• Can you explain how methane emissions from livestock break down?

  Methane emitted by ruminants like cattle, sheep and goats is recycled into carbon in plants and soil, in a process known as the biogenic carbon cycle. It's an important natural cycle that's been happening since the beginning of life and methane breaks down within 10-12 years as part of the biogenic carbon cycle.

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• Can red meat be part of a sustainable diet?

  Eating red meat three to four times a week in healthy, balanced meals provides essential nutrients recommended for good health and reduces the environmental impact of overconsumption.

  To eat a sustainable diet, Australian research shows that all foods, including red meat, must be sustainably produced, and sustainably consumed.

  Research shows that the environmental impact of reducing red meat intake below recommended amounts is small.

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• What is the total number of people employed by the red meat industry?

  Almost half a million people employed. Approximately 428,000 people were employed in Australia’s meat and livestock industry in 2020-21 and it generated a turnover of  $75.4 billion.

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• Is Australia a major supplier of beef internationally?

  Domestically, 93% of Australian households are regularly eating beef and 74% of households are regularly eating lamb. In addition to this, Australia is the world’s fourth largest beef exporter, despite producing only 3% of the world’s beef supply.

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