CCA Participates in COP30

Bob Lowe, CCA Past President and President, Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and Mitchell Zoratti, CCA's Environment & Climate Change Manager, were invited to participate in panel discussions at COP30 based on past attendance and participation that has earned them the respect of their peers and colleagues

CCA takes an active participation role in events worldwide to share the voices of Canadian beef producers and educate others about our production practices. On November 10–21, the Climate Conference of the Parties (COP) was held in Belém, Brazil. COP is the body responsible for decision-making on the implementation of the commitments adopted by countries to tackle climate change.

Depending on the timing and the costs of attending, CCA endeavours to send representatives to COP meetings where animal agriculture is discussed and policies are proposed. Our presence ensures that Canadian beef cattle production is not painted as an environmental villain and that anti-meat voices are not the only ones talking about nutrition policy.

Mitchell Zoratti represented CCA at COP30 alongside Bob Lowe, CCA Past President and President, Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Mitchell and Bob were invited to participate in panel discussions based on past attendance and participation that has earned them the respect of their peers and colleagues. Here are some highlights from the few days that Mitchell and Bob participated in COP30.

Panel with the US Dairy Export Council

Bob joined global Ag leaders at the UN Climate Conference in Brazil for a powerful discussion on Livestock Adaptation and Ecosystem Restoration in the AgriZone. The panel shared important insights on how farmer-led innovation, soil health, regenerative grazing, and incentive-driven climate solutions can scale resilience from the ground up. It was great to see livestock producers recognized not just as stakeholders, but as key agents of climate action.

Panel with Global Methane Hub

The Methane in Action session saw some excellent discussions. Mitchell joined the panel to highlight how real-world improvements in feed, grazing, genetics, animal health, and husbandry can meaningfully reduce methane while improving resilience and producer profitability. The message was clear: opportunities are vast, the science is strong, and producers are ready.

Panel with US Farmers and Ranchers in Action

At COP30, Bob joined producers from Brazil, Botswana, and the USA on the panel "How Agriculture Is Increasing Resilience, Mitigating Emissions and Improving Farm Productivity”. His message was that Canadian beef producers are already advancing the resilient, nature-based solutions the world is asking for. CCA participates in these global discussions to ensure policies remain science-based, trade-enabling, and practical for producers—because effective climate action must enhance, not compromise, food security and rural livelihoods.

Panel with International Dairy Federation and Dairy Farmers of Canada

Bob joined dairy, beef, environmental, and industry leaders to discuss how science, innovation, and partnership can accelerate livestock sustainability. Real climate progress in the livestock industry requires science-based measurement, producer-led innovation, and bold collaboration. Progress happens when we bring diverse perspectives together around shared goals.

Canadian producers continue to show that improving cattle health, grazing systems, and herd management can deliver resilience, lower emissions intensity, and stronger food security. But scaling these successes requires collaboration across the entire value chain and we need more of this kind of constructive dialogue.

Showcasing Sustainable Agriculture in Canada

Bob's panel participation wrapped up with a final discussion at the Canada Pavilion. The topic was “Sustainable Agriculture: Enhancing Mitigation, Adaptation, and Economic Resilience” and included panelists from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Dairy Farmers of Canada, World Farmers’ Organisation, and the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Farmers and Ranchers are Part of the Climate Solution

Mitchell and Bob were honoured to represent Canadian beef producers at COP30, advocating on the global stage because farmers and ranchers are part of the climate solution. We need to tell our story—that Canadian cattle operations are not just food producers, they are stewards of the land: conserving grasslands, storing carbon, and sustaining biodiversity.

Through conversations on policy, finance, and implementation, we’re pushing for farmer-led, science-based, incentivized practices so that producers can invest in nature-based solutions and achieve the beef industry goals.

Participating in events like COP30 isn’t just about climate action—it’s about securing a future where Canadian beef producers remain globally competitive, and our landscapes thrive.