A media release announcing Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has been elected to the Board of the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) for a two-year term commencing November 2023, was announced on 16 November
The GRSB is a global initiative developed to advance continuous improvement in sustainability of the global beef value chain through leadership, science, engagement, and collaboration. Members of the GRSB come from over 24 countries and include producer organisations, companies such as processors and beef retailers, national roundtables, and NGOs.
B+LNZ CEO Sam McIvor says being elected to the GRSB Board is an acknowledgement of the hard work that New Zealand sheep and beef farmers have undertaken to enhance on-farm sustainability.
“New Zealand is recognised as an international leader in this regard and our involvement with the GRSB offers an opportunity to continue working with others to tackle the challenges faced by global beef farmers.”
“The GRSB allows B+LNZ to influence global discussions and policies that will benefit New Zealand sheep and beef farmers.”
“Advocating through the GRSB Board position provides greater weight to our advocacy efforts than if we were to act independently. For instance, B+LNZ is working with the GRSB and other organisations at COP28 this year to promote the use of a warming approach to agricultural methane emissions.”
“We see the recognition of appropriate metrics as a key issue for all beef farmers and New Zealand is recognised as being at the forefront of this issue,” says McIvor.
B+LNZ also sits on the board of the New Zealand Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (NZRSB), collaborating closely with leading farmers, processors, NGOs, banks, and retailers of beef. If you are interested in joining the NZRSB, more information can be found on the official website here.
Conclusion of the International Beef Alliance (IBA)
The International Beef Alliance, whose members include beef producing organisations from Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Paraguay, United States and New Zealand, will conclude operations on December 31 2023. This reflects the changing priorities of the members, as well as the recognition that these organisations are well connected in working together through similar groups such as the GRSB.
Over the years, the IBA has served as a vital platform to share information from producer to producer and coordinate advocacy efforts particularly focused on supporting trade liberalisation, scientific standards for animal health and food safety, and sustainable production practices.
The relationships of IBA members were particularly important during the global shutdown of 2020 and the ensuing economic recovery process. Members of IBA recognise the importance of addressing trade standards including animal health, welfare, and sustainability, and we will continue to work together where our positions and priorities align.
B+LNZ will continue to work with IBA members through the GRSB on sustainable beef production and through its membership of the International Meat Secretariat (IMS).
The IMS is made up of meat and livestock-producing organisations from countries representing over 75 percent of global meat production and works to represent the global meat industry at international fora such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the UNFCCC and the World Animal Health Organisation. The IMS has technical expertise in food safety, sustainability, and nutrition and allows B+LNZ to have a stronger voice on these international issues.
For more information on the GRSB visit the official website here.
ENDS
For more information, please email media@beeflambnz.com