Report: Emissions life cycle assessment for the Australian export oaten hay industry

This report presents the first industry-level life cycle assessment (LCA) of greenhouse gas emissions across the Australian export oaten hay supply chain.

As global markets place greater emphasis on climate action, exporters face increasing pressure to measure and reduce emissions. In particular, major buyers such as Japan and South Korea are strengthening their emissions targets. At the same time, the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is increasing the focus on emissions in international trade.

The study establishes a baseline of emissions for the export oaten hay industry. It identifies the main sources of emissions across the supply chain. The assessment uses a broad system boundary. As a result, it captures emissions from raw material production, farm inputs, hay production, processing, domestic transport and maritime shipping.

To develop a reliable emissions inventory, the project combined extensive desktop research with consultation from industry experts. Furthermore, the findings were compared with available data from competing feed products produced in other regions.

Importantly, the report provides a foundation for future emissions-reduction initiatives. It also highlights opportunities to improve industry competitiveness in markets that value lower-emissions products. The findings will help Australian exporters respond to changing market expectations and strengthen the long-term position of Australian export oaten hay.