Beef producer sustainability survey now open

Beef producers are being encouraged to participate in the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework’s (ABSF) annual survey that helps to promote and protect the industry as well as track performance.

The ABSF was developed by the industry in collaboration with stakeholders to meet the changing expectations of consumers, customers, investors and other stakeholders. The ABSF defines what sustainable beef production is and tracks performance over a series of indicators annually.

Chair of the Sustainability Steering Group which drives the ABSF, Tess Herbert, said producer engagement in the survey was essential as the data would be used in many ways to benefit the industry.

“The results from the producer sustainability survey are valuable, not only for proving our credentials, but for strengthening and advancing our industry,” Ms Herbert said.

“There are a few key areas that our global customers, investors, special interest groups and consumers are interested in that require the input of industry through this producer survey.

“The evidence gathered also plays a vital role in guiding industry investment, resources and providing support across the value chain, and will enable continuous improvement to promote the longevity and prosperity of the industry.

“Producers are at the forefront of the industry’s sustainability efforts, and the value of understanding their experience on the ground is imperative to demonstrating the industry’s sustainability. The more producers who contribute, the more robust our data will be, and this is the best way we can hear from them.”

Ms Herbert said the Australian red meat and livestock industry was already on the front foot in demonstrating our sustainability credentials, through initiatives like CN30 and the ABSF’s previous Annual Updates that have proven effective in providing the hard facts necessary to reinforce our key sustainability work and messages.

“Meat & Livestock Australia, in collaboration with industry, government and research partners, continues to proactively take action by investing in research, development and adoption projects to enable industry to move towards sustainable outcomes,” Ms Herbert said.

“CN30 is just one example of the industry’s commitment to move towards a more sustainable sector. This survey is another way we can continue to develop sustainability objectives that can practically encourage continuous improvement.”

Meat & Livestock Australia will collect data on behalf of the ABSF. All responses will be in confidence and not individually identified at any stage of the analysis.

The survey is available online until 6 March 2021 and takes seven minutes to complete.