CH4 Global tames SA Angus beef in another world first

Marking another milestone in the race to reduce methane emissions, South Australian-based CH4 Global is closing the production loop with methane-reduced Angus beef now on shop shelves at Frewville Foodland and Pasadena Foodland – Adelaide’s Finest Supermarkets – at butchers and in restaurants, in another world first. 

Following the release of premium Wagyu in August, which was the first low-methane Wagyu beef in the world to be sold commercially, the more affordable Angus beef, which will be sold as Flinders Beef at Foodland, has been selling out since appearing in the cabinets at Windsor Meats. 

The arrival of Angus beef at Frewville Foodland and Pasadena Foodland marks the full integration into the South Australian economy and community, while also being affordable for consumers.  

Produced by HB Rural at Warnertown, south of Port Pirie, the Flinders Beef in-market has been fed Methane TamerTM – a product consisting of whole Asparagopsis seaweed, native to South Australia and grown locally. 

CH4 Global grows Asparagopsis in ponds at Louth Bay on Eyre Peninsula, which is then dried and formulated into Methane Tamer. When fed to cows at just .5 per cent of their daily diet – as little as 50 grams per day – it reduces the methane emissions in their burps by up to 90 per cent.  

CH4 Global CEO and founder Dr Steve Meller said the livestock industry and agriculture sectors were among the highest producers of greenhouse gas emissions around the world, and HB Rural had been instrumental in working to bend the climate curve with its own cattle.  

“At CH4 Global we are completing the sustainability circle in South Australia by growing Asparagopsis seaweed, native to our shores, working with farmers to feed their cows our Asparagopsis-based Methane Tamer, and then working with processors, butchers, supermarkets and restaurants to reach consumers who want to eat guilt-free beef,” Dr Meller said.  

“This partnership with Adelaide’s Finest is important to our state because they’re locally-owned stores, specialising in South Australian produce,” he said. 

“This eco-system is a win for South Australia as we’re showing how we can all benefit from lowering methane emissions with beef that’s locally-produced, which consumers are coming back time and again because they feel good about it. 

“We’re also creating a new export market which we know works, as we seek to bend the climate curve on a global scale. 

“We’re hoping that the more Asparagopsis we can grow, the wider the market we can reach across the rest of Australia, Southeast Asia, the US, the UK and in South America.”  

A spokesperson for Adelaide’s Finest said: “Our business started 75 years ago this year. We’ve lasted this long because we’ve always focused on sustainability and been pleasantly rewarded by profit as a result.” 

“This product is another example of our commitment to our customers to give them the best and the most choice. 

“Being the first supermarket to back this incredible South Australian product felt right for us and we hope it gives more South Australians more choice.” 

Since its inception, CH4 Global has received ongoing support and advice from the South Australian Government and has existing partnerships with major international businesses including Mitsubishi in Japan, Chipotle in the US, Lotte in South Korea and UPL in India and South America. 

Methane tamed Flinders Beef is about to be shipped to butchers and restaurants in NSW, and plans are also afoot to ship beef to several other countries including the UK, the US and Japan.