Key Takeaways:
- Comprehensive Assessment: The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) has released its second National Beef Sustainability Assessment (NBSA) report.
- Significant Environmental Progress: The report shows a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per kg of beef since 2014.
- Carbon Storage and Biodiversity: Beef cattle production land stores significant soil organic carbon and contributes to critical wildlife habitat.
- Industry’s Continuous Improvement: The report highlights the Canadian beef industry’s commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement.
- Economic and Social Contributions: The report details the industry’s economic impact and addresses topics like animal care and mental health in farming.
Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Releases Second National Beef Sustainability Assessment
Overview of the NBSA Report
The CRSB’s National Beef Sustainability Assessment, reflecting three years of scientific analysis, showcases the Canadian beef sector’s sustainability progress from 2014 to 2021. The report, funded by over $2.8 million from the Government of Canada’s AgriAssurance Program, covers various sustainability indicators, including greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, carbon storage, health and safety, animal care, and economic contributions.
Environmental Improvements
A key finding is the 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity per kg of beef produced since 2014. This improvement is attributed to increased cattle growth efficiencies, leading to a smaller carbon footprint as fewer resources are needed for the same beef volume. Ryan Beierbach, Chair of the CRSB, notes this progress aligns with the industry’s goal of a 33% reduction by 2030.
Carbon Storage and Wildlife Habitat
The report estimates that land used for beef cattle production stores approximately 1.9 billion tonnes of soil organic carbon. This storage is significant, accounting for nearly 40% of the total soil carbon across Canada’s agricultural landscape. Additionally, these lands provide the majority of wildlife reproduction and feeding habitat, highlighting the role of beef production in preserving these areas.
Mental Health and Animal Care
The CRSB report also addresses the growing conversations around farmer stress and mental health, emphasizing efforts to reduce stigma in the beef supply chain. Animal care remains a priority, with surveillance data indicating no risk of resistance from Category I antimicrobials, ensuring the health of beef cattle and human health safety.
Economic Impact
The Canadian cattle industry significantly contributes to the economy, with $51.5 billion in goods and services production, $21.8 billion to the GDP, and $11.7 billion in labor income. The report also notes a strong demand for domestic and international Canadian beef.
National Beef Sustainability Strategy
Accompanying the assessment is a National Beef Sustainability Strategy, outlining actions and opportunities for collaboration in priority areas for the CRSB and its members. This strategy aims to guide the industry towards achieving its sustainability goals.
Read more here.
