Through the partnership, climate scientists from Charles Sturt University’s Cool Soil Initiative are working with nine farmers from the Wimmera region who participate in the Victorian Barley Program, delivered by Riordan. Their barley is used to brew Asahi Beverages’ iconic beers including Carlton Draught and Victoria Bitter.

To analyse carbon output, scientists collect soil and growing data from each farm, including fertiliser use and field operations. The scientists then conduct a thorough analysis before providing participating farmers with a unique report that breaks down their emissions across a range of farm activities.

The first year of the partnership has yielded significant data on the use of fertilisers and herbicides, advanced technology that minimises soil compaction, as well as growing practices that help protect soil health and ultimately reduce the need for carbon-intensive interventions.

“The results have been extremely encouraging for all parties and highlight what we already believe to be the case, that Australian grain growers are already operating at the leading edge of sustainable growing practices,” said Asahi Beverages’ Regional Category Head Dave Engel.

“All of these factors result in better commercial outcomes for the grower as well as reduced emissions.

“Barley is the heart and soul of beer because it defines its taste and colour and we buy around 75,000 tonnes of it nationally,” Mr Engel said.

“We’ve got dozens of terrific barley farmers around Australia supplying Asahi but until now the support and know-how were not in place for them to understand and report on their emissions from growing barley.

“The Cool Soil Initiative helps farmers understand the emissions of individual farm activities and processes, compare them to others within their growing region and enables them to take focused action to reduce their emissions footprint.

“Farmers’ critical role in the supply chain means they are uniquely placed to help Asahi track barley emissions as we work towards a lower emissions future.”

Matthew Muller, Director Cool Soil Initiative and Sustainability at Charles Sturt University, said farmers were already doing the hard work of producing high-quality barley.

“Our role at Cool Soil Initiative is to provide scientific measurement and benchmarking that makes emissions reporting insightful, not burdensome,” Mr Muller said.

“A certified and tailored report for each paddock provides growers with genuine evidence to access markets, evaluate productivity and identify opportunities that optimise soil health, yield and support climate-smart agriculture.”

Barley farmer Justin Ruwoldt from Kewell in Victoria’s Wimmera said the Cool Soil program was “good business management” and will help future-proof farms.

“We want to run the best possible business practice so that we not only survive the test of time but prosper. The program gives us a seat at the table and a better understanding of emissions reporting,” Mr Ruwoldt said.

In 2020, Asahi launched the Victorian Barley Program to partner with dozens of Victorian farmers. Their barley is now used to brew around 300 million litres of beer annually at its Abbotsford Brewery.

The program is delivered by Riordan, creating a direct relationship between brewers and growers. Under the previous model, farmers sold barley grain to bulk handlers where it was stored and aggregated before reaching Abbotsford. The Victorian Barley Program instead provides clear oversight of the growing process, ensuring consistent, high-quality barley while giving farmers greater market certainty.

Riordan Managing Director Jim Riordan said the program was a win for Victorian farmers and beer lovers alike.

“For several years, the Victorian Barley Program has given farmers the confidence and financial security to invest in new technology and make improvements in farming sustainability and efficiency,” Mr Riordan said.

“But the Cool Soil Initiative announced by Asahi and Riordan takes the program to the next level by giving farmers scientifically backed support to understand their emissions and promote climate-smart agriculture practices taking place right here in Australia.

“This has the potential to shore up and open new markets where sustainable practices are central to market access.”

Pictured: Justin Ruwoldt, Barley farmer and Dave Engel, Asahi Beverages