7/07/2006
Meat & Livestock Australia has today joined
Midfield Meat International, Australian Meat Processors’ Corporation and
Sustainability Victoria to launch an initiative designed to produce biodiesel
from tallow. The project, being developed at Midfield Meats
in Warnambool, is funded by the red meat industry in a joint effort that has the
potential to produce over 10 million litres of biodiesel from animal fat every
year. The fuel would be sold to the open market as well as being used for
Midfield’s own transport fleet. Dr Diana Day, Board Director of Meat &
Livestock Australia, said the project was an exciting opportunity to improve the
long-term sustainability of the red meat industry. “This technology is great for profitability
as it has the potential to take the volatility out of the tallow market by
linking the value of tallow to international oil prices. This could provide a
financial return greater than current average prices and put processors in a
more financially secure position,” Dr Day said. “Additionally, we are currently facing a
global fuel crisis leaving the Australian red meat industry with an ever-growing
need for alternative fuel solutions in order to maintain competitiveness. “This renewable energy technology will
positively contribute to reductions in greenhouse gases - a real bonus to the
health of regional and global climates.” Meat & Livestock Australia’s Manager –
Environment, Dr Stewart McGlashan said biodiesel has been established globally
as a proven fuel with a favourable emission profile. “It’s becoming increasingly important to
manage our natural resources and build an environmentally friendly, but still
competitive, red meat industry,” Dr McGlashan said. “We see this project as a significant step
towards achieving this goal by developing a solution that’s good for business
while reducing our environmental impact.” The Midfield Meat Group operates one of the
largest red meat (beef, veal, lamb, mutton and offal derivatives) processing
plants in Australia as well as a rendering plant, a pastoral company and a
transport business. The Midfield Meat Group is also currently exploring
the viability of developing a cogeneration plant to power the abattoir. Ends
Released
by: Inessa McElligott, MLA Media Affairs Adviser – ph. 0415 220 747
Media contact: Dr Stewart McGlashan – ph. 02 9463 9212