Loblaws to triple its purchase of sustainable beef by 2023 for its Ontario brand.
By Andrew Joseph, Farms.com, Photo by Stijn te Strake on Unsplash
Loblaw Companies Ltd. said it is going to triple its purchase of beef sourced from Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB)-certified sustainable farms and ranches by 2023.
From its 1-million pound purchase in 2020, Loblaws will now purchase 3-million lbs of sustainable beef as part of its continued support of providing sustainable-raised food options for consumers and to Canadian farmers dedicated to those sustainable practices.
“(The) announcement reaffirms our long-term commitment to help advance sustainability in the beef supply chain in Canada,” said Simon Romano, Vice President of Fresh Procurement, Meat, Seafood and Deli for Loblaw Companies Ltd. “As both a retailer and a founding member of CRSB, our hope is that more beef producers will embrace certification of their on-farm practices that meet CRSB standards for sustainability.”
Loblaw said it wants at least 30 percent of its overall beef purchases to come from CRSB-certified farms to be used for its Ontario Corn Fed Beef brand sold in Ontario stores.
“CRSB appreciates the ongoing support from a large grocery retailer like Loblaw, committed to working collaboratively with the beef industry in support of our sustainable practices, and sharing that story with Canadian consumers,” stated Anne Wasko, Chair of the CRSB and rancher from Eastend SK. “This robust commitment will show our community of beef producers that Loblaw values their dedication, and is serious about working with them to make real progress.”
Canada continues to be a global leader in sustainable beef production, with 2030 goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 percent, a 50 percent reduction in post-harvest food loss and waste, and preservation of the remaining 35 million acres of grasslands in Canada.