The Framework
The Certified Sustainable Beef Framework consists of four main components, centered around Sustainability Standards for beef production and processing.
The Framework recognizes sustainable practices across five diverse areas:
- Natural Resources - conserving the land, water and air
- People and Community - supporting healthy farmers, ranchers, local communities, and all those who are part of bringing Canadian Beef to your tables
- Animal Health & Welfare - supporting healthy animal using responsible practices
- Food - ensuring high quality, safe food, and minimizing waste
- Efficiency and Innovation - embracing technology and innovation that drives continuous improvements
It enables companies interested in contributing to sustainability to meet their commitments, and builds consumer confidence through credible claims, backed by science, about the sustainability of Canadian Beef.
For more details about the Framework, and how supply chain stakeholders can participate, check out the various main menu items accessible through the main menu.
Indicators of sustainability encompassing the five principles of sustainable beef that are audited in beef production and primary processing operations.
The standards are measurable, based on science and expert opinion, and addresses key concerns around the sustainability of beef production in Canada.
The standards use an ‘outcome-based’ approach, meaning that the practices used to meet the individual indicators in the standard are what is measured, not prescribing specific ways to achieve them. This outcome-based model allows for the diverse ways for beef producers and processors to demonstrate sustainable practices based on their individual operation, as well as climate, region, soil type, production style, and more.
- The Sustainable Beef Production Standard covers indicators in beef production, which covers cow/calf and backgrounding farms and ranches, and feedlot operations.
- The Sustainable Beef Processing Standard covers indicators in primary beef processing facilities.
The CRSB Assurance Protocols include guidance and requirements for the certification process, including independent auditing, frequency of audits and requirements of certification bodies.
They demonstrate that the CRSB strives to ensure consistency in assessments and seeks to achieve equitable access to certification services across Canada.
Chain of Custody refers to how cattle and beef from Certified Operations are linked and tracked through the supply chain, including all organizations (supply chain) that take ownership, physically and/or administratively, of a product during production, processing and retail.
The Chain of Custody model employed by the supply chain determines what CRSB Claims, if any, can be made about the sourcing of the beef. These claims help supply chains demonstrate their sustainable sourcing commitments and deliver consumers science-based, verified information about how their food is raised.
CRSB Chain of Custody Requirement outline the technical and administrative requirements for tracking cattle and beef through the supply chain in order to facilitate qualification for claims about the sourcing of beef from CRSB Certified Operations.
It’s no secret that consumers are looking for information about where their food comes from and how it is raised. It’s one of the big reasons why beef sustainability is important. It’s also why big companies have made efforts to support sustainable agriculture. Being able to produce beef in a way that’s responsible to the environment, animals and consumers is crucial.
Canadian beef producers and processors are committed to producing beef in a more sustainable way to pass it on to the next generation. Not only do they care deeply for the land, air and water where the animals are raised, they are committed to ensuring the utmost care of the animals. Everyone involved in producing beef wants to provide the most healthy, safe, nutritious and sustainable food for your family and theirs, alike. They are committed to living in, and supporting their local communities, across Canada and around the world, and continually improve how beef is raised.
By purchasing CRSB Certified beef, you are supporting sustainable production practices, continuous improvement and all the people involved in bringing it to your table. CRSB Certified represents beef that has met rigorous sustainability standards at every stage of production.