USRSB Unveils Sustainability
Tools for the Beef Community
Beef community works together to address sustainability in all segments.
The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) announced Nov. 15 the release of USRSB Sustainability Metrics, the latest tool helping those who raise, buy and sell beef understand ways to balance and improve their environmental impact, social responsibility and financial bottom line.
“The USRSB Sustainability Metrics are a result of two years of work from the entire beef community, and I am proud of the results,” said Nancy Labbe of World Wildlife Fund, a member of the USRSB. “I believe these metrics are where we need to start. They address areas that are truly important in the beef sustainability conversation.”
As part of volunteer leadership, Labbe helped guide more than 100 members as they developed USRSB Sustainability Metrics, a process that allowed each sector of the beef value chain to oversee their own metric development while receiving feedback from all members.
In 2016 the USRSB released High Priority Indicators to address areas of sustainability most important to the beef industry. USRSB Sustainability Metrics accompany High Priority Indicators and will serve as a self-assessment tool to aid the beef community as they examine their sustainability footprint and share their personal story.
Steve Wooten, a rancher from Colorado, shared how the USRSB Sustainability Metrics overcame segmentation challenges within the beef industry.
“When you bring together such a diverse group of stakeholders, you have to work out loud and listen to the conversation. This is how we landed on metrics that speak to areas I care about as a producer and thoughtfully address needs of a successful operation,” said Wooten.
The USRSB hopes this tool will move the curve for beef sustainability ensuring the industry continues to be a global leader in beef sustainability. To learn more about the USRSB and explore the USRSB Indicator and Metric Summary, visit www.USRSB.org.
Editor’s Note: This article is provided by the U.S. Roundtable on Sustainable Beef.