Beef production | Canadian Cattlemen’s Association expects to work with McDonald’s
McDonald’s promise to offer sustainable beef at its restaurants is likely to start with a pilot project in Canada by 2016.
“We haven’t had confirmation of that, but every indication is they will be doing it here,” said Fawn Jackson of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.
She is responsible for handling issues on the environment and beef sustainability.
“We are very pleased to be chosen to be involved because they have operations in all the beef consuming countries of the world,” said Dave Solverson, president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.
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Solverson said producers will not likely be subjected to major production changes, but more documentation may be required of suppliers.
Producers and processors have been asking the company what it means by sustainable beef since it first announced the proposition.
McDonald’s has not made a statement yet, but it is likely to rely on the definition from the global round table on sustainable beef production.
The international committee is defining these principles, and the proposals just went through a 60 day comment period. The actual principles are expected to follow soon, said Jackson.
Canada is already on its way to producing sustainable beef. It has a voluntary verified beef program that covers animal care. Modules on biosecurity, environmental care and animal welfare were added earlier this year.
“I don’t think there is going to be a lot of reinventing the wheel in Canada because we are a leader of sustainable beef production. A lot of it is how we verify the information,” Jackson said.
The fast food giant joined the global round table for sustainable beef, which involves producer associations, environmental groups, processors, retailers and pharmaceutical companies.
According to the round table’s website, the definition must include workers’ rights, community well-being, welfare of animals in various management systems, food safety, nutrition, food security and protection of air, soil and water quality.
Energy conservation and waste reduction must also be considered.
