Meat processors help forge sustainable beef production group

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The UKCSP focuses on four key pillars: environment; animal medicines; animal health and welfare; and farm management

A new platform to promote sustainability across the UK beef industry has been launched by stakeholders from across the food and retail sectors.

The UK Cattle Sustainability Platform (UKCSP) unites farmer representatives, processors, retailers and support agencies with common goals and has been recognised by the European Roundtable for Beef Sustainability (ERBS).

Current signatories include ABP UK, The British Meat Processors Association, Morrisons, Red Tractor and the National Farmers Union. A full list can be found in the box below.

Aligned with ERBS goals

The UKCSP has aligned with the goals and objectives of the ERBS and aims to continue to develop work streams and measure its progress against four target areas. These include the environment, animal medicines, animal health and welfare and farm management.

UKCSP chair, Dawn Meats’s head of agriculture Sarah Haire, said: “I’m delighted that all major stakeholders from the UK Beef Industry have come together to collaborate on their considerable efforts to showcase what we are doing as an industry to promote beef sustainability throughout the supply chain with farmers and customers alike.

“This is a significant advance which demonstrates the good work already being done, the commitment to improve and a collective move in support of UK beef producers.”

Sustainable British Meat

The UKCSP will be available through the new Sustainable British Meat website, giving easy access to information relating to their activities, membership of the organisation, UK beef sustainability targets and frequently asked questions.

Commenting on the formation of the platform, John Royle, chief livestock advisor at the NFU, said: “The NFU are pleased to be part of the UKCSP and welcome the collaborative approach to supporting and promoting the sustainability of UK beef production.”

Signatories to the UKCSP

  • ABP UK
  • ADAS
  • Aldi
  • Arla Foods
  • The British Meat Processors Association
  • Co-op
  • Dawn Meats Group
  • FAI Farms
  • Foyle Food Group
  • Hilton Food Group
  • Livestock & Meat Commission Northern Ireland
  • Linden Foods
  • McDonald's Restaurants
  • Map of Ag
  • Marks and Spencer
  • Morrisons
  • MSD Animal Health
  • Nation Beef Association
  • NFU England
  • NFU Scotland
  • NFU Wales
  • Ulster Farmers Union (NI)
  • OSI Food Solutions
  • Red Tractor
  • Sainsbury's
  • Tesco