Sustainable Supply Capability for the Meat Industry
Bob Thomson reports on a Sustainable Farming Fund project that involves the design and implementation of a sustainability focused quality assurance scheme for the sheep, beef and deer industry.
New Zealand’s largest meat exporter, Richmond, has initiated, and is leading an industry project to build a supply capability based on sustainability principles. The project has been using the working name ‘GreenTick’ and is supported at grass roots level by 60 farmers who are enthusiastic about the opportunities for increased farm productivity and the possibility of gaining a market advantage.
The key point of difference with GreenTick over conventional supply schemes is the ability to demonstrate that product is generated on a sustainable basis off a platform of high-level farm assurance. The key elements in the plan are food safety, animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
The project was made possible through the government funding initiative, the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF). The primary outcome from the project will be a national standard for sustainable production for sheep, beef and deer. A number of other projects, supported through the same funding source, will also add value to this project. The supporting projects that will add most value are focussed on the challenges associated with low chemical use.
There are three management plans within the project and these cover animals, land, soils, forages and the community. The most challenging are the animal management plan and the land and environment plan. While some farmers may find the programme demanding, in reality the practices are what enlightened and progressive farmers are already doing.
The animal management plan places heavy emphasis on animal treatment based on demonstrated need, creating ‘safe’ pasture to reduce parasite challenge and genetic solutions for disease and parasite challenges.
The land and environment plan is based on a detailed farm map with land management areas determined according to their strengths and weaknesses. The plan encompasses a strategic approach to addressing the challenges of soil erosion, soil compaction, nutrient budgeting, stream bank protection and shade and shelter for animals. Regional Councils have been very positive and supportive in the construction of this plan.
The land and environment plan includes a nutrient budget, which essentially ensures that soil fertility is not eroded. There are restrictions on the quantity and quality of fertilisers used and these are underpinned by the Fertiliser Code of Practice.
A forage management plan is also included in the Land and Environment Plan and this covers the details necessary to demonstrate that all fodders are natural and safe.
Sustainable production is based on economic, environmental and social factors. As already noted there have been major challenges in developing the animal and land components of the plan, but perhaps the most difficult plan to implement has been the community plan, which covers the social responsibility area. Discussions to this point have centred on the need for us to better communicate the high level of care and safety which is intrinsic in a programme developed on sustainability principles.
Many farmers are mystified as to why consumers are chasing alternative food brands when there is such a high level of product safety associated with both the farm and processing systems. Certainly GreenTick has the potential to demonstrate that products generated under this brand will not only be safe but will also be sourced from sustainable systems based on the ‘three legs’ of sustainability with the associated triple bottom line reporting for economic, environmental and social performance.
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Bob Thompson Project Manager- Livestock, Richmond Bob has had 23 years of experience as a farm consultant in beef and beef systems for MAF and privately before being employed by Richmond in 1998. During his time as a consultant, Bob initiated the farm monitoring system for sheep and beef farms in Northland and developed the Beef Improvement Group, which was purchased by Richmond in 1998. Bob is responsible for the Richmond Farm Assurance programme and is project co-ordinator for the above SFF project. |
Contact for Enquiries
Amber Duncalfe
Editor - RM Update
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Tel: +64 4 894 0710
Fax: +64 4 894 0745
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