As the world grows more conscious of deforestation and environmental impact, new regulations are being enacted globally to reduce forest degradation. The goal is to make supply chains more transparent, ensuring that products, especially livestock, aren’t contributing to deforestation. Perhaps the most well known is the EU's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), as it is the latest in international efforts to curb global deforestation and move towards a more sustainable forestry practices. For livestock producers, compliance means proving their animals haven’t grazed on deforested land.
Navigating these new regulations is challenging, especially without the right data. This is where technology, specifically through solutions like CERES TAG, can assist producers. CERES TAG devices like CERES RANCH offer automated, continuous animal movement and behavior data necessary for tracking and verification. Here’s how CERES TAG can help producers and suppliers shape the future of livestock and aid in compliance with these vital regulations.
Better Supply Chain Transparency
One of the primary drivers of these incoming deforestation regulations is increased transparency in the supply chain. At CERES TAG, we can assist with addressing this by providing direct-to-satellite GPS data that verifies animal location from the time it was tagged until the device is removed. This traceability makes it possible for livestock producers to show regulators that their animals have not grazed on deforested land, ensuring compliance and enhancing the credibility of their supply chain. Such traceability data doesn’t just ensure compliance with regulators, but also provides end consumers with proof of sustainable grazing practices and assurance of ethical origins of produce.
Addressing Scope 3 Emissions
For larger companies, managing Scope 3 emissions — emissions indirectly produced through their supply chain — is increasingly critical. CERES TAG devices like the CERES RANCH provide data that can highlight reductions in methane emissions, especially with the use of methane mitigants. This allows for a clearer, verifiable picture of the environmental footprint, supporting compliance with emissions reporting requirements, and benefiting companies by offering a data driven path to reduced emissions.
Innovative Algorithms for Data Driven Decisions
Every CERES TAG direct-to-satellite device is equipped with innovative, world-first algorithms that provide insights into two critical areas: Pasture Feed Intake and methane emissions.
The Pasture Feed Intake (PFI) algorithm provides an estimation of pasture consumed by the tagged animal, enabling them to breed more efficient animals over time. Animals that require less feed to gain weight are more sustainable, offering a clear advantage for livestock producers focused on livestock efficiency and environmental impact.
Additionally, CERES RANCH provides estimated methane emissions data to producers, giving them valuable insights to assist with managing and mitigating emissions for more sustainable herd management.
Sustainable Land Use Management
Understanding how land is being used is essential for sustainable agricultural practices. CERES TAG devices track animal movements over time, allowing producers to see which parts of their pasture are used most and where overgrazing may be occurring. This information helps producers manage their land sustainably, allowing them to make adjustments to grazing practices, identify underutilised areas, and implement conservation efforts where needed.
Verifiable Reporting for Regulatory Compliance
Compliance with deforestation regulations requires verifiable reporting, and CERES TAG offers the data necessary to meet these demands. With soil carbon reporting, livestock producers can show measurable improvements in soil carbon levels, linking these changes directly to sustainable land management practices. GPS location data also provides accurate tracking of herd locations, helping livestock producers peace of mind and a simple way to meet the requirements of new deforestation laws, creating a win-win for both the environment and the industry.
The Path Forward for Sustainable Livestock Production
With regulations aimed at deforestation-free supply chains being implemented worldwide, livestock producers face the challenge of proving that their practices are sustainable. By adopting technologies like CERES TAG, livestock producers can meet these demands while also gaining invaluable insights into their herds, land, and environmental impact. From monitoring methane emissions to tracking pasture usage, CERES TAG offers the tools to build a more transparent, sustainable future for the livestock industry.
Ultimately, these advancements are more than just a regulatory requirement—they’re an opportunity for producers to lead in environmental stewardship and ensure a sustainable food supply chain for generations to come.