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By Alice McFarlane

Beef Sustainability Assessment

A new report praises beef sustainability in Canada

Jan 16, 2024 | 1:46 PM

Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) released its second National Beef Sustainability Assessment (NBSA) and progress has been made in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The report tracked the beef industry between 2014 and 2021 and found a 15 per cent reduction for each kilogram of boneless and consumed beef, which was good news for CRSB Chair and Saskatchewan beef producer Ryan Beierbach.

“It’s exciting to see the 15 per cent reduction in GHG emissions intensity, which puts us on track to achieve the 33 per cent reduction 2030 goal that the industry has set,” Beierbach said.

The assessment included scientific analysis and highlights the Canadian beef sector’s progress on biodiversity, carbon storage, people’s health and safety, animal care, and economic contributions.

Other key findings said land used for beef production contributes the majority of critical habitat that wildlife needs for both reproduction and feeding when all of Canada’s crop and pastureland is considered.

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There has been an increase in awareness around farmer stress and mental health. Work continues to reduce the stigma of mental health challenges across the beef supply chain.

Animal care continues to be a top priority for the Canadian beef industry.

Demand for Canadian beef remains strong with Canadians consuming five per cent more beef and an increase of 16 per cent in world-wide consumption.

The report also stated for every worker employed by farm-level production of cattle in Canada, 2.5 workers are employed either directly or indirectly in the Canadian economy. The Canadian cattle industry contributes $51.5 billion in the production of goods and services, $21.8 billion to the Canadian GDP and $11.7 billion in labour income.

Beierbach said the report also identified areas that need more attention.

“I am proud of the Canadian beef industry’s commitment to continuous improvement, and the progress already made on our sustainability journey,” he said. “This assessment demonstrates the important role Canadian beef producers, and our members play in advancing sustainability, and what we can accomplish when we work together towards common goals.”

The report was completed as part of over $2.8 million in funding for the CRSB under the Government of Canada’s AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The first report was commissioned in 2014 and released in 2016. It provided a baseline of the beef industry across environmental, economic and social parameters to help measure progress for future assessments.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW