To be eligible for the $400 CRSB Certified Producer Incentive, producers must maintain and update their certification as of June 30, 2026 or have been CRSB-certified between Jan. 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026 and have completed all related eligibility requirements, including:

• agreeing to share information with the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) for chain of custody purposes
• submitting cattle birth dates into the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS)
• submitting move-in events on the CLTS
• moved in cattle are to be from CRSB certified operations to maintain chain integrity

Producers can expect the payments in October.

“(The incentive) serves as a thank you from the CRSB and its supply chain partners that the investments beef producers have made to become certified do not go unnoticed,” said CRSB chair Ryan Beierbach in a press release.

In 2023, the CRSB ran a pilot credit program funded by Cargill, which provided a top-up payment to producers who received less than $400 for qualifying cattle in 2022.

“The Cargill Recognition Credit was provided in collaboration with the CRSB, with the intention that this CRSB Certified Producer Incentive would replace it,” said Andrea White, CRSB director of marketing and stakeholder relations in an email to Glacier FarmMedia.

The new incentive will also pay out a full $400, regardless of where cattle were processed, rather than topping up producer payments, White said.

The incentive is also aimed at upholding CRSB sustainability standards in production and processing focused on the principles of natural resources, people and the community, animal health and welfare, food, and efficiency and innovation.

The incentive is set to continue annually with payments determined by amounts of CRSB Certified beef sold by enrolled producers. Funds will be distributed evenly amongst the eligible producers.

There are 1,243 farms and ranches that are CRSB Certified, encompassing 4.8 million acres of grazing land across the country. There are nine companies that source this beef, the CRSB website shows.

To become certified, a producer has to go through a certification body – either Verified Beef Production Plus or Where Food Comes From – which performs a risk assessment based on the findings from an on-site audit of the operation. The operation must meet a minimum level of “Achievement” on the principles of sustainable beef to become certified. Producers may also have to undergo pre-certification training.

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That’s what CRSB executive director Monica Hadarits had to say at the Western Canada Conference on Soil Health and Grazing held this week in Edmonton.

In July of 2024, the CRSB’s consumer research found a positive outlook on the industry from consumers. They surveyed around 2000 Canadians asking for their thoughts on the industry and about the National Beef Sustainability Assessment, which CRSB put out in January of 2024.

They found that 92 per cent of Canadians eat beef, up two per cent from 2022. They also found that 55 per cent of people say the industry’s sustainability is excellent or good, 28 per cent called it acceptable, 11 per cent were unsure and six per cent say it is poor or very poor. That number has gone down four per cent from 2022.

Thirty-four per cent of respondents said they have a good idea of what makes beef sustainable, 46 per cent said they don’t know much about beef sustainabilty but are okay with that, and 20 per cent said they don’t know and would like to learn more

When asked what they most want to learn about the beef industry, 69 per cent said they wanted to know more about animal health and welfare, 57 per cent wanted to know about the safe production of food and 49 per cent said they wanted to learn how beef production contributes to maintaining or enhancing wildlife habitat and biodiversity, among other things.

Hadarits said this data will help them continue to teach consumers about the industry — especially about sustainability.

“The way that we use this information at CRSB is to share it with folks like yourselves, but also to help us in our communications and marketing strategies,” she said. “When we’re working through the next year, really focusing on those that say it’s acceptable because they’re kind of on the fence, and then those that are unsure.”

She said they also want to spend more time connecting with producers.

“We have heard pretty loud and clear the last year that we need to be in front of producers more, and so we’re working through strategies on that. We’re a very small staff … but you are the foundation of our industry, so that’s something that we’ve committed to working on and doing better on.”

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Given some of the recent evolutions of the program, now is a good time to address some of the common questions producers have about the program. 

How does the CRSB certification program work?

Beef producers and processors are certified against the standards for sustainable beef production and processing set by the CRSB. Certification is done based on a five-year cycle consisting of an initial on-site audit, with records assessment and self-declarations in intervening years. Cattle and beef are tracked through the supply chain according to CRSB’s chain of custody requirements, using Canada’s RFID traceability system. Retailers, restaurants and food service distributors can source beef that meets CRSB requirements and market qualifying beef with a “CRSB Certified” logo and claim. 

What’s in it for beef producers?

Program participants cited various motivations for becoming and remaining certified, such as supporting programs promoting beneficial practices for the industry, increasing credibility when sharing the farm’s story with others to build consumer trust, measuring success and identifying gaps, showing pride in the business and self-education. 

“When you know better, you do better,” says Andrea Stroeve-Sawa of Shipwheel Cattle Feeders, Taber, Alta. 

Partner organizations are also signing on to offer financial incentives to certified producers. 

Since 2018, Cargill has offered a per head (approximately $18-20) “qualifying cattle credit” to CRSB Certified producers for cattle that flow through the supply chain. In 2023 and 2024, Cargill also partnered with CRSB to provide a “recognition credit” for CRSB Certified producers, over and above the existing qualifying cattle credits and regardless of whether their qualifying cattle were ultimately sold into Cargill. This ensured that all CRSB Certified operations received a minimum C$400 in total annual credit payments as part of the CRSB Certified Sustainable Beef Framework. Both incentives are funded by Cargill’s customers partnering in the program. 

Since 2022, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has offered its own Sustainability Incentive Program. Under this program, FCC customers who are CRSB Certified can receive the incentive, regardless of what else is occurring through the value chain. 

Producers are taking note, too. Last year, there were 506 successful applicants for incentives across all FCC programs. 

“While there may be variation in payments from year to year, over the last four-and-a- half years we have benefited by about $5,800 through both Cargill and FCC incentives,” says Tyler Fulton of Tyton Farms, Birtle, Man. He estimates Cargill and FCC each contributed about half to that total. 

Scott Gerbrandt, who operates S&R Gerbrandt Farms with his wife, Robyn, near Swift Current, Sask., says in addition to the Cargill and FCC incentives, they’ve accessed provincial rebate programs tied to VBP+, such as rebates for audit costs, handling systems, squeeze chutes and RFID readers. 

“Incentives being offered by CRSB partners are encouraging, and I hope others will help follow suit to reward producers for the important work they are doing. These incentives help leverage improvements, and make farmers and ranchers feel like their dedication is appreciated. Companies who are supporting us as producers, either through these programs, or as CRSB members, contribute to my loyalty,” says Andrea Stroeve-Sawa of Shipwheel Cattle Feeders, Taber, Alta. 

Who is eligible and how do producers sign up?

Certification is done by third-party certification bodies approved by the CRSB. Participants can choose the certification body of their choice, based on what is best for their operation, and other programs they may be involved in. There are three options for beef producers: 

• Verified Beef Production Plus
• Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance/CRSB Program (feedlot operations in Ontario)
• Where Food Comes From 

Who is eligible for the FCC incentive program?

FCC customers with active lending in good standing and holding a current CRSB certification at the time of application are eligible for the FCC incentive program. Producers can apply online at the Farm Credit Canada website. Once the application is submitted, the sustainability programs team verifies the customer information and their status. 

Once participating producers are verified per eligibility requirements, the sustainability programs team will calculate an incentive payment based on a portion of their total owing to a maximum payment of $2,000 in one calendar year. 

In addition to CRSB, FCC has programs with McCain, Cargill, Dairy Farmers of Can- ada, Starbucks, Ducks Unlimited Canada, PepsiCo and Fertilizer Canada’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship. 

What does an audit trail entail? 

While the word “audit” can sound daunting, producers who’ve completed the process have found plenty of positives. 

“I have been through two audits so far, and to me they feel like you are showing a knowledgeable producer around your farm,” says Fulton. 

Fulton says the tone of the process was friendly, not intimidating. He sees it as an opportunity to not only explain why they do things the way they do, but to also get feedback on how to do things better. 

“I really felt like the suggestions from the auditor were common sense, but were things that we had overlooked. Sometimes it takes a fresh set of eyes to identify risks that can be mitigated.” 

Gerbrandt has also completed two audits. He says they were given instructions on preparing for the audit, which mostly meant compiling documents before the auditor arrived. The documentation proved they recorded treatment notes, such as withdrawal times and treatment methods, he explains. Any corrective actions identified by the auditor were shared with them, he says, so they could improve their operation. 

“Our auditors have been fellow beef producers. We have come out of both audits with knowledge and suggestions for improvement that we didn’t have before.” 

Stroeve-Sawa sees measuring progress as essential to seeing how they can keep doing better. The data collected during the audit is key in identifying gaps and addressing weak links. 

Is there demand for CRSB certified cattle? 

Program retail and food service partners are signaling demand for beef raised on CRSB Certified farms and ranches and are keen to share the positive beef sustainability story with Canadians. Processors, distributors, retailers and restaurants have made major commitments to CRSB Certified beef sourcing and are investing in marketing their products with CRSB certification to Canadian consumers. 

“Our retail and food service customers are increasingly asking for CRSB Certified beef to meet consumer preferences and their own corporate sustainability goals,” says Kristine Tapley, Cargill sustainability customer engagement manager. “That demand exceeds the current number of qualifying cattle arriving at our facilities, proving there’s an industry need to expand the supply chain of CRSB Certified cattle as we sustainably feed a growing population.” 

How do I know if the feedlot or packer that my cattle go to are CRSB certified?

The best way is to connect with backgrounders and feedlots directly. Ensure your certificate number and CRSB Certified status is included in sale paperwork, especially if cattle are sold through the auction system (live or online). 

In October 2023, the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency became a single verifier for live cattle chain of custody for the program (outside of Quebec). As part of this program improvement, anyone with Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) accounts are now able to see the “CRSB Certified” status of their cattle’s identification as they move through the supply chain. Be sure to consent to share information with CRSB in your CLTS account, register the RFID tags, age-verify animals in CLTS and record any cattle movements. 

All events (birthdates and move-ins) must be submitted into the CLTS before:

• July 15, for January 1–June 30 events
• January 15, for July 1–December 31 events 

This also enables operators down the supply chain to search by tag number for qualifying animals. 

Why should producers consider certification and/or maintain their certification? 

Stroeve-Sawa, Gerbrandt and Fulton all pointed out that the CRSB Certification was built by beef producers, in response to societal demand. 

“This is our way to prove what we are doing, and we need to be able to show it,” says Stroeve-Sawa, whose operation was part of the original Verified Beef Production program. She adds the program enables beef producers to define the standards of sustainable production. 

“CRSB has a great way of developing flexible outcomes to meet the standards, based on what works best for each individual farm or ranch.” 

Gerbrandt says consumers have proven they value certified products in grocery stores and restaurants. 

“Consumer demand drives supply chain demand. If we don’t get behind these programs that are developed by us, then there will be programs developed for us. Between the payments per head and incentive programs, there’s great opportunity for producers to come out ahead.” 

Fulton also sees the growing social and financial market demand for information on how food is produced. 

“CRSB and the CRSB Certified program is our response to those demands. It is a tool that covers many topics of interest, is useful for all, and meets many of those programs’ criteria.”

– With files from the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and Farm Credit Canada.

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The grocer said in a release that from now on, the CRSB Certified Mass Balance mark will be displayed on all beef products across its Platinum Grill Angus Canadian AAA Beef Program, available in all 131 Metro stores in Ontario.

The CRSB Certified program provides credible assurances for the production, processing and sourcing of beef through certified supply chains in Canada. This means verifying outcomes across five areas of sustainability that include conserving and enhancing natural resources (land, water and air); supporting people and communities; best practices in animal care; food safety and quality, and embracing efficiencies and innovation that foster continual improvement.

Metro Ontario said these focus areas align closely with “multiple elements” of its priorities when it comes to responsible procurement.

Ryan Beierbach, chair of the CRSB and a CRSB Certified rancher from Saskatchewan said in a release that by displaying the CRSB Certified Mass Balance mark on-pack, “Metro shows their customers they are making positive contributions through their food choices.”

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The program, piloted last year, tops up payments of Cargill’s qualifying cattle credits for animals processed in 2023 to $400. It will be paid to certified operations regardless of if those cattle were ultimately sold to Cargill, the CRSB said in a news release today.

Producers who received $400 or more in credits last year won’t qualify.

Operations don’t need to apply for the top-up credit, the CRSB said. If they had an active certification at the beginning of the year, they can expect payment in April.

Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef chair Ryan Beierbach thanked Cargill and its customers.

“We think the CRSB Certified program is one important tool for the Canadian beef sector to demonstrate continuous improvement, and the CRSB hopes other organizations will formally recognize its value,” he said in the news release.

While demand for certified sustainable beef is reportedly high, the program has seen criticism for low return on investment to cattle producers.

Animals have also been found to ‘drop out’ of the certification system, which requires them to pass through certified operations at every step on the value chain—one factor behind updates to the CRSB’s tracking system late last year.

“In 2024, CRSB will prioritize identifying long-term solutions to ensure certification provides financial value and enduring benefit to producer participation,” Beierbach said.

Funding for the CRSB Certification Recognition Credit is provided by Cargill, Centennial Food Solutions, Gordon Food Service, Intercity Packers, MacGregors Meat & Seafood, McDonald’s Canada, Metro, Recipe Unlimited and Walmart

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“It’s exciting to see the 15 per cent reduction in GHG emissions intensity, which puts us on track to achieve the 33 per cent reduction 2030 goal that the industry has set,” wrote Ryan Beierbach, chair of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB).

The roundtable published the report in the third week of January and pointed to increased efficiencies in the beef sector, which they say played into the improved numbers. The assessment reflects three years of scientific analysis highlighting the Canadian beef sector’s progress between 2014 and 2021. Factors included in the study spanned GHG emissions, biodiversity, carbon storage, human health and safety, animal care, economic contributions and more.

The study also pointed to areas the sector could still improve.

“We look forward to further collaborations and innovations to make a positive impact and meet our goals for the Canadian beef industry’s social, economic and environmental performance,” Beierbach said.

The report also reveals that land used for beef cattle production is estimated to store 1.9 billion tonnes of soil organic carbon, or 40 per cent of total soil carbon across the country’s ag landscape.

According to the CRSB, this is equivalent to the annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from over two billion cars.

“This report on the Canadian beef industry’s advancements in sustainability is an important tool to track the sector’s progress towards its 2030 goals,” wrote federal agriculture minister Lawrence MacAulay in a news release.

“We can all be proud of the industry’s commitment to taking action to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising their high standards and commitment to quality they’re known for.”

The report also noted that beef land provides the majority of habitat wildlife needs for both reproduction (74 per cent) and feeding (55 per cent) when all of Canada’s crop and pastureland is considered. Despite an overall loss of wildlife habitat on Canada’s pasture and cropland, beef’s share in the remaining habitat land has increased.

The report “highlights the important role that beef production plays for preserving critical wildlife habitat and Canada’s grasslands,” wrote Brad Downey, chair of the CRSB’s scientific advisory committee.

“This report also enables transparency of the beef industry to the public and confirms significant progress based on sound data that sets the stage for meeting many of the Canadian beef industry’s 2030 goals through purposeful, science-based actions.”

—Jeff Melchior is a reporter with the Alberta Farmer Express.

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“This update sets us up for continued progress to support beef farmers and supply chain participants to build trust in the
sustainability of Canadian beef,” said Kristine Tapley, chair of CRSB’s Framework Committee, in a new release.

The framework was launched in 2017 as a bid to recognize and monetize sustainable beef production practices. It came up for a scheduled five-year review in 2022.

The CRSB said a committee, composed of representatives from across the beef supply chain, reviewed all parts of the framework. It also got input from stakeholders, experts and the public.

This included a thorough review of the CRSB’s standards for production and processing; strengthened and protocols for certification to improve clarity and consistency; updates to chain of custody requirements; and how CRSB claims are enabled.

The claims associated with certified operations and sourced CRSB certified beef were also updated.

As of October, the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) is providing tracking of live cattle (outside of Quebec) for the program.

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Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has announced an incentive program for producers who are certified through the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB).

“How it works is if you are an FCC customer, and you are already certified, you’re eligible for the FCC incentive payment,” says Curtis Grainger, director of lending products and sustainability programs with FCC. “And that can be up to $2,000, depending on how much lending you have with us.”

The incentive program has been in the works for a few months, according to Grainger. He says the inspiration for this started when FCC and CRSB saw a need to recognize the good work ranchers are doing for the grasslands.

“We felt it was important to first recognize producers for what they’re already doing for those who are already certified. And then encourage others to join the CRSB certification process as we think there’s value in that recognition in the market,” says Grainger.

Anne Wasko, the chair of the Canadian Roundtable of Sustainable Beef, says certification is important because consumers are asking more questions about where their beef comes from.

“(Certification’s) aim is to recognize sustainability practices in beef production,” Wasko says. “And to help these producers or retailers or more foodservice folks to meet their sustainability commitments. We want to assure Canadian consumers their beef has been raised responsibly.”

There are three certification bodies in Canada where producers can get certified through the CRSB — Verified Beef Production Plus, Where Food Comes From Canada and the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance Program.

Grainger says the amount producers can get is based on their lending with FCC, with a maximum amount of $2,000 per year.

“In an ideal world, this will be around for a really long time,” says Grainger. “But we need to measure success for the program. We want to see how many additional producers get certified while continuing to recognize those who are already certified.”

Currently, there are around 1,300 producers in Canada who are certified with CRSB. Grainger hopes through this program, that number will start increasing.

“That’s really the goal behind the incentive payment, as we know producers work hard, and they put a lot of time and energy into this kind of stuff,” he says. “And we feel like an incentive payment is what’s required to recognize all the work that producers are doing in this space.”

Wasko says the FCC incentive program, the first of its kind, could pave the way for more like it.

“I’m sure excited that the potential is there. We certainly hear a lot of our members and stakeholders talking about how we can get involved and looking for ways. And so I think this is just shining a light on different ways that different parts of our industry can get involved in beef sustainability, even if you aren’t a producer. So I do hope that it lights the fire for the next stage.”

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The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is pleased to announce that Loblaw Companies Ltd. is expanding its commitment to beef sustainability in Canada with a purchase of three million additional pounds of beef sourced from CRSB-certified sustainable farms and ranches by 2023, tripling its initial purchase of one million pounds in 2020. 

With this latest commitment, Loblaw is reaffirming not only the importance of sustainably raised food options for its customers, but also its unwavering support of the Canadian farmers and ranchers dedicated to sustainable practices on the ground. The beef will be purchased from CRSB-certified farms in partnership with the Ontario Corn Fed Beef program, according to standards set by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. 

“Today’s 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 is working with its supply chain partners toward a system where at least 30 per cent of the beef it sources will be CRSB-certified and will be incorporated into Loblaw’s overall beef purchases for its Ontario Corn Fed Beef brand, sold in Ontario stores. 

Sourcing even a portion of beef from farmers and ranchers that have had their sustainable practices independently audited against standards provides consumer assurances about how their food is raised supports ongoing improvements and signals the importance of Canada’s agricultural system for climate change mitigation and its role in a sustainable food system. 

“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,” says Anne Wasko, chair of the CRSB and rancher from Eastend, Sask. “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 is a global leader in sustainable beef production, but there are always improvements that can be made. The Canadian beef industry has committed to a suite of robust 2030 improvement goals, including a 33 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases, a 50 per cent reduction in post-harvest food loss and waste, and preserving the 35 million acres of grasslands remaining in Canada, to name just a few. These goals will be achieved if we all work together. 

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Walmart Canada on Thursday announced it has committed to buy 1.5 million pounds of beef sourced from farms and ranches certified to Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) standards over the next calendar year.

That commitment — almost 680.4 metric tonnes of beef — marks “the largest known quantity of beef from certified sustainable Canadian farms and ranches ever sourced by a single retailer,” the company said in a release.

Furthermore, the company said, the amount of beef Walmart Canada sources from CRSB Certified sustainable farms and ranches “will continue to increase each year.”

CRSB certification — which until recent years has been associated mainly with beef purchases by restaurant and quick-service chains — became a sell point for Walmart earlier this year when it committed to supply its Your Fresh Market burger patty line in Canada entirely with CRSB Certified beef.

That label claim allowed Walmart — which already sources all fresh beef for its Canadian stores in Canada — to claim a first among grocery retailers in the Canadian market.

With Thursday’s announcement, however, “committing to sustainable sourcing at this unprecedented level sets a new threshold in the industry for what is possible and reaffirms the company’s partnership with the CRSB,” Walmart said.

“Leadership from organizations like Walmart inspires change and supports the Canadian beef sector’s continuous improvement goals,” CRSB chair Anne Wasko said in the same release.

The retailer said it plans to develop “customer-facing messaging… to share this milestone commitment to sustainable beef sourcing” over the coming months.

The CRSB, set up in 2014, maintains the Certified Sustainable Beef Framework — CRSB Certified, for short — to affirm farms’ and ranches’ sustainable practices through third-party certification and support sustainable commitments for retail and foodservice companies.

The roundtable also aims to build consumer trust through “credible, science-based claims” about sustainable beef production in Canada.

The CRSB last week put out a call for beef producers to take part in a new survey for its National Beef Sustainability Assessment. The new survey went live Friday (Oct. 1) and will be available online until Jan. 7, 2022.

Survey data goes toward the National Beef Sustainability Assessment’s goal of providing a “comprehensive farm-to-fork baseline of the environmental, social and economic sustainability performance of the Canadian beef industry,” and identifying “areas for improvement.”

Other pledges

Walmart’s U.S.-based parent on Wednesday separately announced the CRSB beef agreement as part of a list of new commitments to make Walmart a “regenerative” retailer.

Among other new pledges on that list, Walmart said it plans to reach a 15 per cent absolute reduction in its “virgin plastic” footprint — that is, any plastic produced from new rather than recycled materials — by 2025.

It also said it would expand the scope for its previously announced goal to source 100 per cent more sustainable cotton and 50 per cent recycled polyester for its Private Brand apparel and soft home textiles by 2025, to include not just Walmart stores in the U.S. but also its Sam’s Club U.S. and Walmart Canada Private Brand apparel and home textiles.

It also committed to start buying Pacific Island Tuna (PIT) products for its in-house brand, Great Value. PIT launched on Wednesday as a partnership between The Nature Conservancy and the Republic of the Marshall Islands on environmental, labour and traceability standards.

Walmart Canada in June separately announced a list of “commitments to pollinator health,” including sourcing 100 per cent of fresh produce and floral sold in its stores’ produce departments from suppliers who adopt Integrated Pest Management Practices by 2025.

It also expected to have 10 pollinator gardens planned onsite at Walmart locations by the end of this year. — Glacier FarmMedia Network

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