Australian Beef Sustainability Framework released for public comment

The first Australian Beef Sustainability Framework has been released, after 12 months in development.

An initiative of the Australian beef industry, the framework was created in order to improve transparency and report across the areas of sustainability at an industry level. It was developed by an 11-member Sustainability Steering Group (SSG), appointed by the Red Meat Advisory Council, which has in turn consulted extensively within and external to industry.

The framework defines sustainable beef as “the production of beef in a manner that is socially, environmentally, and economically responsible through the care of natural resources, people and the community, the health and welfare of animals, and the drive for continuous improvement”. The SSG plans to report its progress towards realising this vision, using indicators and metrics that track its performance in those areas considered the most important.

The SSG is now seeking further feedback on the framework, opening up consultation to anyone from within or outside the beef industry who would like to help make the group’s vision a reality. The group is specifically seeking input on the four themes of the framework: animal welfare, economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and people and the community.

To view the framework in full and take the survey, visit http://www.sustainableaustralianbeef.com.au/the-framework. Feedback will be accepted until 17 February, with the final document to be launched in March.