Background Beef production generates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting for six per cent of all human-induced emissions. Nevertheless, studies reveal that knowledge gaps exist among beef farmers about the use of innovative practices to reduce GHG emissions. Beef production can also regulate climate through carbon storage in grassland. This dual role confers to livestock farming an important responsibility in the fight against climate change. France, Ireland, Italy and Spain represent 32% of the EU cattle population and a large diversity of livestock production systems. Objectives The LIFE BEEF CARBON project aims to promote innovative livestock farming systems and associated practices to ensure the technical, economic, environmental and social sustainability of beef farms. Project partners will raise awareness among beef production actors and encourage their commitment to improving environmental performance. This will be achieved by: Testing and promoting innovative practices to reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration in beef farms; Designing, demonstrating and disseminating innovative advisory approaches in livestock farming, incorporating better environmental issues in order to improve advisory services; and Structuring, building and promoting collective and shared BEEF CARBON action plans in France, Ireland, Italy and Spain. Investigations will not only include climate change mitigation in relation to GHG emissions and carbon storage, but also eco-systemic services and other environmental impacts of livestock farming and socio-economic issues. The project aims to meet its objectives through calculation tools to assess 2 000 demonstration beef farms using different production systems, to evaluate GHG emissions and beef carbon footprints. Decision-making tools will be used by farmers and advisors at farm level, a European database will be used to produce technical and environmental results from beef demonstration farms, and a carbon mitigation plan will be applied and evaluated in 172 innovative beef farms. Expected results: Establishment of national BEEF CARBON action plans in France, Italy, Ireland and Spain; Development of an economic and social feasibility analysis for carbon plan implementation at beef production level; A reduction in GHG emissions of 119 000 tonnes equivalent CO2 on the farms involved (methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide abatement in CO2), demonstrating the feasibility of meeting the goal of a 15% reduction over 10 years in the beef carbon footprint of the four participating countries; and Dissemination of the action plans and advisory strategy at European level through through communication tools, websites, farm open days and other project activities.