Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef gathers in the US
The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) not only underpins the future of beef production in Australia, it also plays a significant role internationally through its involvement with the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB).
In April, GRSB members from around the world convened in Tucson, Arizona, for a special in-person board meeting.
Patrick Hutchinson, Chair of the ABSF Steering Group and GRSB board member, travelled to Arizona to meet with stakeholders from Brazil, Canada, Argentina, Europe, New Zealand, and beyond.
Insights from abroad
During the two-day meeting, the US Roundtable for Sustainable Beef shared its goal to have 385 million acres under formal grazing management plans by 2050.
Patrick said the challenges they face reflect those experienced in Australia’s industry.
“There are concerns around the incentives needed to achieve long-term viability. At the moment, producers might receive temporary premiums for having those plans, but that’s only in the medium-term.”
Despite this, grazing management plans have delivered broader benefits in various countries. In Uruguay, they have contributed to retaining young people in agriculture, while in the US, they’ve supported innovative programs such as virtual fencing and biodiversity-focused leasing arrangements.
“We need to be mindful of these learnings, especially looking at it from the perspective of young people in the industry and what is keeping them engaged,” Patrick said.
The ABSF’s reputation
As part of the GRSB, the ABSF is performance-measured against global benchmarks, including climate impact, nature-positive production, and animal health and welfare.
Patrick said Australia is performing well across the board.
“The ABSF is often spoken about regarding our efforts to move towards carbon neutrality, and the collaboration with stakeholders to equip them with knowledge and skills in those areas,” Patrick said.
The GRSB’s progress reporting includes regular reviews of Australia’s performance and endorsement of the industry’s efforts.
“It’s great we can utilise and leverage the GRSB in a way which promotes what we’re doing here. We don’t only do this work for ourselves, but for the entity of global production.”
Worldwide collaboration
The GRSB brings together global competitors in recognition of a shared challenge: safeguarding the future of the beef industry.
“If beef consumption around the world drops, that hurts everybody. We need to be part of this concerted effort to prevent that from happening,” Patrick said.
He emphasised that the GRSB is a valuable forum for exchanging insights and experience.
“The ABSF has 55 indicators, it’s about much more than greenhouse gas or methane issues.
“With all those key components, it’s not a case of protecting our market share, but helping the industry around the world to understand what top-line sustainability outcomes look like, so they can apply that to their own domestic herd.
“Having this interorganisational engagement is important to talk about how we utilise innovation, where tech is taking us, and how we move forward as an industry,” Patrick said.