May 12, 2021
 

Walmart Canada to buy beef that are sustainably produced

Walmart Canada has announced May 10 that it is buying beef from farms and ranches that fulfill the standards of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB).

CRSB is a voluntary programme in which beef producers can earn third-party certification for practices that are socially responsible, good for the environment, economically sound and that prioritise "the planet, people, animals and progress," CRSB's website says.

Beef patties sold at Walmart, through its "Your Fresh Market" brand, will now feature the CRSB Certified label.

"Walmart Canada has been a strong partner on our sustainability journey. We're delighted that they are now showcasing the CRSB Certified label in Walmart stores across the country," said Anne Wasko, chair of CRSB. "The label will help Canadians understand the sustainable practices that are used and how their food is raised, so that they can better understand how that contributes to a sustainable food system."

According to CRSB's website, its standard "uses an ‘outcome-based' approach… not prescribing specific ways to achieve them. This outcome-based model allows for the diverse ways for beef producers to demonstrate sustainable practices based on their individual operation, climate, region, soil type (and) production style."

"Walmart is committed to being a regenerative company – one that works to restore, renew and replenish our planet. Offering this new line of beef patties with sustainability certification is part of our journey and a proud moment for our entire team," said Horacio Barbeito, president and chief executive of Walmart Canada.

"Our ongoing partnership with the CRSB helps drive the shared goal of advancing sustainability within the Canadian beef industry."

Walmart is the first major grocer in Canada to purchase beef that is CRSB certified.

- The Western Producer