The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB), a full beef stakeholder initiative focused on continuous improvement, recognized two industry programs and one audit company that successfully demonstrated alignment to the U.S. Beef Industry Sustainability Framework.
In May 2019, the USRSB launched a formal program recognition process that established a path for marketplace programs to be recognized when they are in alignment with the six key elements of the framework, including animal health and well-being, efficiency and yield, employee safety and well-being, air emissions and greenhouse gas emissions, land resources and water resources.
Recognized programs to date include:
- Progressive Beef: A quality feedyard management system that builds upon the foundation of the Beef Quality Assurance program, focusing on providing transparency to consumers about how their beef is raised and cared for, focusing on cattle care, food safety and sustainability.
- Texas Cattle Feeders Association Feedyard Services Program: A comprehensive set of feedyard programs and services implemented in partnership with feedyard members that demonstrate cattle feeders’ commitment to caring for people, animals and the environment through the association’s employee safety services, environmental services and the Beef Quality Assurance programs.
In addition to the two programs, the USRSB also recognized a sustainability audit:
- Food Safety Net Services Sustainability Audit Program: An independent auditing service offered to the cow-calf, feedyard, and packer/processing sectors to evaluate an operation’s sustainability program and practices upon request.
Each program applied and underwent an evaluation by an independent third-party in order to demonstrate incorporation of U.S. Beef Industry Sustainability Framework criteria. The alignment claim is applicable for three years, at which time companies must reapply to keep their recognition status.
Additional programs have applied for recognition and are currently undergoing review by the third-party evaluator retained by USRSB. Other companies and programs are encouraged to apply for recognition.
To learn more about achieving alignment to the U.S. Beef Industry Sustainability Framework and to explore approved programs, visit www.usrsb.org.
Source: U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
