The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is seeking public input to proposed changes to the standards for sustainable beef production and processing that form the foundation of the Certified Sustainable Beef Framework (the Framework).

An online 60- day comment period on the draft updated Standards opens today and runs until December 2, 2022.

The Framework was launched in 2017 to recognize sustainable practices in Canadian beef production and processing, to support sustainable sourcing commitments for the retail and foodservice sector, and to provide credible, science-based assurances for Canadian consumers.

As part of a scheduled five-year program review, and following extensive stakeholder consultation, the CRSB’s Framework Committee conducted an in-depth review of each indicator in both standards (beef production and processing), explored areas for improvement, and identified gaps.

Proposed changes to the Standards focus on strengthening indicators through monitoring and demonstrating progress, and indicators that align with the 2030 Canadian Beef Goals.

“The engagement of our members and stakeholders during this review demonstrates the commitment across the Canadian beef value chain to continually advance beef sustainability practices, while also aligning with public interest in sustainability”, says Kristine Tapley, Chair of the CRSB Framework Committee. Tapley is the National Sustainability Lead for Ducks Unlimited Canada and a beef producer from Langruth, Manitoba.

“These proposed changes all aim to advance our journey of continuous improvement that is at the heart of the definition of sustainability”, adds Tim Hardman of Fulton Market Group and CRSB Framework Committee Vice-Chair. “We look forward to receiving constructive comments on the changes to the Standards, so that we can continually make improvements to our certification framework”.

Consultation documents, including a summary of proposed changes and full proposed updated standards, along with instructions for comments and suggested recommendations can be found on the NSF Online Consultation Workspace. Click here for more information.