Canadian beef industry has strong voice in international sustainable livestock discussions at GASL

Dec 14, 2023

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) attended the 13th Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock (GASL) Multi-Stakeholder Partnership (MSP) meeting (The Agenda) in Thailand to provide a Canadian beef industry perspective in an international dialogue.

There were many highlights for the Canadian beef industry at this event, including opportunities to take the stage and share a Canadian perspective in discussions, and Evan Chaffe with the Beef Farmers of Ontario being named a Co-Chair of the new GASL Youth Advisory Group.

From October 30 to November 3, 2023, CCA’s Environment and Climate Change Coordinator, Mitchell Zoratti, attended various sessions on the Drivers of Livestock Systems Transformation, including geopolitical and socio-economic drivers, health and disease drivers, innovation and knowledge drivers, and environmental drivers. Mitchell participated as a panelist in “Livestock Production and Antimicrobial Use as a Driver of Change,” and built upon important connections with various livestock industry stakeholders from around the world that will be key to helping build our message that the world needs more, not less, sustainability produced foods like Canadian beef.

The Agenda is a partnership of public and private sectors, producers, research and academic institutions, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), social movements, community-based organizations, and foundations committed to the sustainable development of the livestock sector. The goal of The Agenda is to build consensus on the path towards sustainability and drive continuous improvement in the areas of global food security and health, equity and growth, and resources and climate.

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) has been an active participant in The Agenda since 2019. It is an important forum of like-minded individuals and organizations, and a space to collaborate and discuss strategically how to best position livestock as a solution to food and nutrition security, livelihoods and economic growth, animal health and welfare, and climate and natural resource use. The Agenda’s focus areas are well aligned with our priorities, and it’s an excellent opportunity for Canada to engage and amplify the message that we are one of the most sustainable beef producers in the world.

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