Could the processing sector achieve 90% advanced water recycling and 80% renewable fuels by 2030? AMPC is kicking off two new sustainability projects aimed at bringing the sector closer to these results.

Processors want to be heard and valued by industry, the market, regulators and government. And all of you have a great opportunity to create the story they will hear.

AMPC went to Beef 2021 with a clear goal of putting the processing sector centre stage – and that's exactly what we did.

Operating a bandsaw has traditionally been one of the most dangerous roles in a processing facility – but it doesn’t have to be. AMPC is seeking members interested in trialling a newer, safer option.

In the face of biosecurity risks and logistical challenges, Australia's red meat processors enhanced their reputation for quality and supply reliability, nationally and globally, during the Covid pandemic, according to an AMPC-funded report from BIS Oxford Economics.

Under the Australian national Covid-19 vaccination policy, workers in the meat processing industry are included among the critical and high-risk priority groups eligible for vaccination in ‘Phase 1b’ of the national vaccine rollout, alongside defence, police, fire and emergency services personnel. Vaccinations for this priority group commenced in March 2021.

There’s a lot to see and a lot to do at Beef 2021 – and AMPC’s stand should be top of the list for anyone who’s excited to see where the industry is going and how much is happening in innovation in red meat processing.

The past decade has been a significant one, with major advancements from lamb deboning automation to bandsaw safety solutions. But what might be possible over the next five to 10 years?

The AMPC stand will offer visitors a sneak peek into what’s around the corner for the industry.

AMPC’s plans for Beef 2021

The stand includes six exhibition areas and is designed to showcase the key areas AMPC is working in, enabling visitors to get up close and personal with new technology and new product ideas.

The stand will be highly interactive, with working prototypes in action, screens to step visitors through some of our most exciting innovation projects and our team on hand to talk about why the processing sector is leading the way in tech and innovation in red meat and beyond.

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.