A South Australian business is pioneering a novel approach to battling climate change by selling what it calls eco-friendly beef.
CH4 Global, based on the Eyre Peninsula, is producing beef from cattle, fed a diet, supplemented with locally grown red seaweed, resulting in a reduction of methane emissions by up to 90 per cent.
“This technology to lower the methane emissions has been tested and proven,” state Trade Minister Joe Szakacs said.
Currently, the “guilt-free beef” is available at Windsor Meats in Malvern, South Australia, and is expected to be available in local restaurants and on supermarket shelves soon.
“Having been that better option for people, that more sustainable option, I think it will sell itself,” Sam Burt from Windsor Meats said.
The company is initially focusing on Wagyu cuts, with plans to expand to other beef types and products.
CH4 Global also has ambitions to expand its operations nationally and internationally.
“This is a South Australian innovation, a great local innovation,” Szakacs said.
The company is in discussions with a national supermarket chain to make the product available across Australia by next year.
Furthermore, negotiations are underway with international chains to potentially supply enough seaweed-supplemented feed for 10 million cows every day.
“Starting with the Wagyu, soon to be Angus, and it won’t just be the prime cuts of Angus, it’ll be all the pieces, whether it’s sausages or meatballs,” Dr Steve Meller from CH4 Global said.