Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has been elected to the board of the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB), a significant recognition of New Zealand’s leadership in sustainable beef farming practices.
The GRSB is a worldwide initiative aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the global beef value chain through leadership, science, engagement, and collaboration.
The GRSB comprises members from over 24 countries, including producer organisations, processors, retailers, national roundtables, and NGOs. This diverse membership reflects the global nature of the initiative and its commitment to a broad-based approach to sustainability in the beef industry.
Sam McIvor, Chief Executive of B+LNZ, expressed that this election to the GRSB Board acknowledges the extensive efforts New Zealand sheep and beef farmers have made in improving on-farm sustainability.
“New Zealand is recognised as an international leader in this area, and our involvement with the GRSB offers an opportunity to continue collaborating with others to address the challenges faced by global beef farmers,” McIvor stated.
McIvor highlighted the importance of B+LNZ’s role in the GRSB, noting that it allows the organisation to influence global discussions and policies that will benefit New Zealand sheep and beef farmers. He emphasised that advocating through the GRSB Board position lends more weight to B+LNZ’s advocacy efforts than acting independently.
One of the key areas of focus for B+LNZ is promoting the use of a warming approach to agricultural methane emissions. McIvor mentioned that B+LNZ is collaborating with the GRSB and other organisations at COP28 this year to advocate for this approach. “We see the recognition of appropriate metrics as a key issue for all beef farmers, and New Zealand is at the forefront of this issue,” he said.
In addition to its role in the GRSB, B+LNZ also holds a position on the board of the New Zealand Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (NZRSB), further cementing its commitment to sustainable beef farming both locally and globally.
