The latest Red Meat Processing Sector Environmental Performance Review shows the sector continues to reduce water use and lower emissions, and AMPC is working on refrigeration, solar and other projects which will help future EPR results be even better.

Visa-workers are a critical part of the red meat processing industry’s future, but many processors find current visa programs complex and expensive. AMPC research is contributing to a project designed to find new ways to ensure labour needs are met.

Last year AMPC launched a refreshed strategic plan that is truly owned by the industry. This year, with a newly elected board installed, our task is executing against the plan. We’re excited to work with the new board, including our two new directors, to continue to deliver value to the Australian meat processing industry.

The need to provide government and key stakeholders with the most recent figures, along with AMPC's requirement for updated figures to help shape insights and communications, triggered this report. A deeper investigation into the industry’s contribution is of benefit for a greater understanding by stakeholders, and fosters a consumer and policy environment that is supportive of the industry.

More waste can be an opportunity, particularly when regional businesses collaborate around turning bio-wastes into a cheaper source of energy, thereby diverting wastes from landfill, reducing waste disposal costs, and improving environmental outcomes. Similarly, abattoirs and feedlots are beginning to appreciate the energy and environmental advantages of multi-fuel biomass boilers, which can turn agricultural wastes like cotton gin trash, paunch, waste grain and forestry residues into renewable energy.

COVID-19 has profoundly affected us all - the way we live, the way we do business and the way we travel. On Thursday, August 20, AMPC hosted a COVID-19 webinar in collaboration with Respond Global and the Australian Meat Industry Council to provide our members with information on how best to handle the new situation we find ourselves in.             

After extensive consultation with members and key stakeholders, AMPC published its Strategic Plan 2020-25 document on June 30 2020. You can read the full plan here.

AMPC, with support from its industry technical steering committee, engaged Southern Engineering Services Ltd (SES) to develop a Lamb Tunnel Boning alpha-prototype. It is now time for Australian processors to work with SES to develop this solution to a commercial outcome. AMPC is seeking up to five lamb processors who would now like to further develop this innovation with SES and AMPC.

Currently state jurisdictions and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) are working through the publishing process for the new standard, with an outcome expected soon.

You may be aware that AMPC has set a target to improve its performance in member satisfaction. AMPC is required by government as a condition of its funding agreement to independently evaluate its performance to demonstrate the value of funds invested in its programs.

Plant Initiated Projects are fantastic opportunity for on-plant innovation and adoption in direct partnership and co-investment with processors. Since 1 July 2019, 35% of a processor’s levy is now quarantined for their own private R&D use.