JBS beef-processing plant in Brooks named a ‘sustainable producer’
By Medicine Hat News on February 27, 2020.
The JBS Canada beef-processing plant in Brooks has passed an audit to become a “sustainable producer,” the Canadian Roundtable of Sustainable Beef has announced. One of the largest processors in the county, JBS helped form the effort, and this third-party audit of its huge plant near Brooks shows its meeting commitments to use modern, lower-impact practices. “Over the past five years, we have set some very aggressive targets in our own 2020 Sustainability plan, and with a lot of hard work, we have met or exceeded our goals,” said David Colwell, president JBS Canada, in a statement. “The CRSB certification is affirmation that we are doing our part to advance sustainable beef production.” JBS points specifically to advancements in water use and animal handling in the release. The certification will allow the company to advertise to retailers and customers that it meets the standards, and officials say it sends a message to others in the industry about the importance of stewardship. “The CRSB certification provides confirmation that JBS Canada is responsibly and transparently doing what it says it is doing each and every day,” says CRSB chair Anne Wasko, who ranches near Eastend, Sask. The guidelines require industry partners to meet standards for animal health and welfare, management of forage, pasture and water resources, as well as reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Food integrity, labour practices, community engagement and innovation in operations are also factors. 9-8
