Walmart Canada expands commitment to sustainable beef

Walmart Canada will purchase the largest known quantity of beef from certified sustainable Canadian farms and ranches ever sourced by a single retailer, the retailer announced last week.

According to the company, beef purchased through this commitment will support the environmental, social and economic sustainability of Canadian farmers and ranchers whose operations are certified through a third-party audited system, in accordance with sustainability standards set by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB).

Walmart Canada says this is the largest public commitment made by a single retailer to date: 1.5 million pounds of beef sourced from CRSB Certified sustainable farms and ranches to be purchased over the next calendar year.

The commitment contributes to advancing beef sustainability in Canada – and it's only the start, said the Mississauga, Ontario-based operator of more than 400 stores throughout the country, adding that the amount of beef Walmart Canada sources from CRSB Certified sustainable farms and ranches will continue to increase each year.

"Leadership from organizations like Walmart inspires change and supports the Canadian beef sector's continuous improvement goals," said Anne Wasko, chair of the CRSB and a rancher from Eastend, Saskatchewan. "The CRSB is honored to partner with Walmart Canada on this ambitious commitment on its journey toward a more sustainable future."

Related:Walmart, Sam’s Club set goal to source beef more sustainably by 2025

As a valued partner, Walmart Canada continues to help expand the CRSB's program in Canada, advocating for continuous improvement in industry standards and engaging in open dialogue with industry and supply chain partners.

"We're immensely proud of what this commitment signifies to the industry and the impact it will have for our farmers and ranchers, customers, suppliers and partners," said Horacio Barbeito, president and CEO, Walmart Canada. "We're making massive strides toward advancing sustainability within the Canadian beef industry, propelled by our commitment to being a regenerative company and made possible by strong partnerships with the CRSB and our suppliers."

Walmart Canada sources 100% of its fresh beef in Canada, the company said, supporting Canadian ranchers and farmers and continually working to improve sustainability and contribute to managing and preserving 35 million acres of native grassland in Canada.

The retailer is also developing customer-facing messaging that will be introduced In the coming months to more broadly share its commitment to sustainable beef sourcing.

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