Tasmania-based biotechnology company, Sea Forest, has marked the next step in its journey to reduce harmful methane emissions – partnering with Australian restaurant group, Three Blue Ducks, to serve the world’s first low-emissions steak, Sea Fed Beef.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is 84 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, which makes its reduction vital in the fight against climate change. Livestock emissions are estimated to account for around 32 per cent of human-caused methane emissions, and the Australian beef and sheep industries contribute around 10 per cent of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions.
Sea Forest has been a world-leader in fighting climate change, through the development of its SeaFeed livestock supplement from the natural bioactives found in Asparagopsis red seaweed. When added to cattle feed, it naturally reduces methane emissions by up to 67 per cent.
Sea Forest was the first company in the world to cultivate Asparagopsis at a commercial scale, and has now replicated the natural bioactives for sustainable use. The company raised $34 million in 2021 and has run trials with Fonterra and the Australian Agricultural Company. It commercialised its feedstock in 2023, and is working with UK supermarket chain, Morrisons, to range lower carbon beef products over there.
Sea Forest CEO, Sam Elsom, said Sea Fed Beef is a huge opportunity for the global food industry.
“We’re thrilled that Three Blue Ducks is leading the way in offering this incredible product, which we hope will soon be found on menus around the world,” said Elsom.
“Not only does it deliver the quality and flavour that steak lovers crave, but it also represents a crucial step toward more sustainable, responsible farming practices. We’re proud to see our innovation having a positive impact, both on the environment and on the dining experience in Australia and hopefully globally.”
Sea Forest has worked with restaurant chain, Grill’d, before on a low-emissions beef burger, but the collaboration with Three Blue Ducks will be the first time its Sea Fed Beef is served as a steak. The grass-fed Black Angus beef will be served at its Byron Bay and Rosebery locations.
Three Blue Ducks co-founder, Darren Robertson, said the company believes that amazing food can be good for the planet, and is excited to serve the world’s first low-emissions steak.
“With Sea Fed Beef, we’re not just offering our diners a quality product, we’re also helping tackle the climate crisis by reducing the methane emissions from cattle,” said Robertson.
